LIBRARY 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

SANTA  BARBARA 


PRESENTED  BY 

ROBERT  WESSON 


UCSB    LIBRARY 


MEMOIR 


OF 


RACHEL    HICKS 


(WRITTEN  BY  HERSELF) 


LATE  OF  WESTBURY,  LONG  ISLAND 


A   MINISTER  IN  THE  SOCIETY  OF  FRIENDS 


TOGETHER  WITH  SOME  LETTERS  AND  A  MEMORIAL  OF 
WESTBURY  MONTHLY  MEETING 


NEW  YORK 

G.    P.    PUT  NAM'S    SONS 

182  FIFTH  AVENUE 

1880 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER    I. 

Birth  and  Parentage — Early  Religious  Experience — Hospi- 
tality of  her  Father's  House — Exercises  of  her  Mind 
concerning  Divine  Requisitions  —  Her  Marriage  —  First 
Appearance  in  the  Ministry page  1-13 

CHAPTER   II. 

Some  Account  of  her  Husband — Reflections  incident  to  his 
Illness  and  Death — Account  of  her  Ancestors — Origin  of 
the  Township  of  Westbury page  14-30 

CHAPTER    III. 

1828  TO  1833. 

Separation  in  New  York  Yearly  Meeting — Her  Religious 
Experiences  and  Exercises — Death  of  Two  Children. 

page  31-39 

CHAPTER    IV. 

1833  TO  1839. 

The  Acknowledgment  of  her  Gift  in  the  Ministry — Re- 
ligious Visit  to  Nine  Partners  and  Stanford  Quarterly 


iv  Contents. 

Meetings  as  Companion  to  Phebe  I.  Merritt — Attends 
the  Yearly  Meeting  of  Philadelphia  as  Companion  to 
Sarah  Hicks — Obtains  a  Minute  to  attend  the  Quarterly 
Meetings  of  Stanford  and  Duanesburgh  and  appoint  some 
Meetings — Minute  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meetings  of 
Genesee,  Ohio,  and  Indiana,  and  Subordinate  Meetings — 
Incidents  of  the  Journey page  40-53 


CHAPTER   V. 

1839  T°  1852. 

Obtains  a  Minute  to  attend  the  Quarterly  Meetings  of  Pur- 
chase and  Shrewsbury  and  Rahway,  and  the  Meetings  com- 
posing them — Minutes  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meetings  of 
Genesee,  Philadelphia,  Baltimore,  Ohio,  Indiana,  and  all 
the  Meetings  constituting  them,  and  also  for  Service  in  her 
own  Yearly  Meeting page  54-63 

CHAPTER   VI. 

1852  TO  1856. 

Illness  and  Death  of  her  Son  Abraham — Tribute  to  his  Worth 
— Exercises  in  Prospect  of  further  Labor — Obtains  a  Min- 
ute to  attend  all  the  Meetings  constituting  New  York 
Yearly  Meeting — Attends  Baltimore  Yearly  Meeting  and 
the  Meetings  constituting  it — Reflections  upon  the  System 
of  Slavery ...  page  64-76 


Contents.  v 

CHAPTER   VII. 

1857  TO  i860. 

Obtains  a  Minute  to  visit  the  Families  of  Westbury  Quarterly 
Meeting — Minute  to  visit  the  Families  of  the  three  Monthly 
Meetings  of  Philadelphia — Illness  and  Death  of  her  Com- 
panion, Caroline  Willets — Minute  to  Visit  the  Families  of 
the  Monthly  Meeting  of  Baltimore — Minutes  to  attend  the 
Yearly  Meetings  of  Philadelphia,  Ohio,  Indiana,  and  re- 
mote_Settlements  in  the  West page  77-Q3 

CHAPTER   VIII. 

1 86 1  TO  1864. 

Exercises  of  her  mind  induced  by  the  Condition  of  our  Coun- 
try   page  94-109 

CHAPTER   IX. 

1864  TO  1867. 

Minutes  to  attend  Genesee  Yearly  Meeting,  the  Meetings 
constituting  New  York  Yearly  Meeting,  and  to  visit  the 
Families  of  Amawalk  and  Chappaqua — Minute  to  attend 
Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting  and  its  Subordinate  Meet- 
ings— Reflections  upon  the  \Vork  of  the  Ministry — Ac- 
knowledgment of  Divine  favor page  no-122 

CHAPTER   X. 

1867  TO  I87O. 

Visits  some  of  the  Subordinate  Meetings  of  New  York 
Yearly  Meeting,  as  one  of  a  Committee  appointed  to  that 
Service page  123-129 


vi  Contents. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

1867  TO  1873. 

Acknowledgment  of  Divine  Favor — Obtains  a  Minute  to  at- 
tend all  the  Yearly  Meetings  with  which  we  are  in 
Unity — Attends  Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting — Also  the 
Yearly  Meetings  of  Ohio,  Indiana,  and  Baltimore,  and 
the  remote  Meetings  in  Illinois  and  Iowa — Attends  Gene- 
see  Yearly  Meeting — Retrospect  of  the  Service. 

page  130-137 

CHAPTER   XII. 

1873  TO  1875. 

Reflections  on  the  Nineteenth  Anniversary  of  the  Death  of 
her  Son  Abraham — Retrospect  of  her  Life  upon  entering 
her  Eighty-sixth  Year page  138-149 

CHAPTER   XIII. 

1875  TO  1878. 

Retrospect  at  the  Opening  of  the  Year — Return  of  Minute, 
after  visiting  the  Families  of  Friends  and  Friendly  People 
in  the  Monthly  Meetings  of  Westbury  and  Jericho — Grati- 
tude for  the  Continued  Evidences  of  Divine  Favor  in  the 
Evening  of  Life — Attends  Baltimore  Yearly  Meeting — Her 
Closing  Record  after  entering  her  Ninetieth  Year. 

page  150-276 

A  Memorial  of  Rachel  Hicks.  By  Westbury  Monthly  Meet- 
ing of  Friends page  277-286 


MEMOIR 

OF 

RACHEL    HICKS 


CHAPTER   I. 

Birth  and  Parentage — Early  Religious  Experience — Hospi- 
tality of  her  Father's  House — Exercises  of  her  Mind 
concerning  Divine  Requisitions — Her  Marriage  —  First 
Appearance  in  the  Ministry. 

8th  mo.  7th,  1857. 

I  HAVE  long  felt  that  the  work  given  me 
to  do  will  not  be  finished  unless  I  leave  some 
account  of  my  life  and  my  various  religious 
exercises  in  the  course  of  it.  In  times  past 
I  have  been  fearful  that  a  wish  to  transmit 
my  name  to  a  future  generation  had  some 
share  in  the  feeling.  I  have  therefore  put  it 
off  until  this  late  period,  and  can  now  ac- 
knowledge that  to  have  an  evidence  that  -my 


2  Memoir  of 

name  is  written  in  Heaven  absorbs  all  other 
desires. 

In  a  deep  sense  of  my  umvorthiness,  and 
with  an  awful  solemnity  resting  upon  my 
spirit,  in  the  sixty-ninth  year  of  my  age,  I 
begin  this,  my  last  legacy  of  love  to  my  fel- 
low-creatures. In  this  work  I  ask  the  aid  of 
Him  who,  I  believe,  requires  it  of  me ;  hop- 
ing it  may  afford  encouragement  to  some  deep- 
ly exercised  and  tried  mind  -when  I  shall  have 
passed  away  from  time  and  all  its  conflicts. 

I  was  born  on  the  loth  of  fourth  month, 
1789,  and  was  carefully  educated  in  the  prin- 
ciples of  Friends,  by  my  religiously  con- 
cerned parents,  Gideon  and  Elizabeth  Seaman. 
Having  thus  experienced  the  benefit  of  a 
guarded  education,  I  can  add  my  testimony 
to  that  of  many  who  have  gone  before  me, 
that  a  solemn  responsibility  rests  upon  parents 
to  train  their  offspring  to  fear  the  Lord  and 
keep  His  commandments  which  He  impresses 
upon  the  mind  by  His  own  Spirit. 

I  remember,  when  I  was  about  eight  years 
old,  being  at  school  and  using  a  word  I  did 
not  know  the  meaning  of — having  learned  it 


Rachael  Hicks.  3 

of  a  domestic — and  which  I  had,  at  the  mo- 
ment, a  gentle  intimation  against ;  but  soaring 
above  it,  I  was  brought  under  great  condem- 
nation of  conscience.  It  was  then  opened  to 
my  understanding  that  the  word  used  was 
synonymous  with  a  vow,  which  I  had  been  in- 
structed by  my  parents  was  wrong,  and  which 
my  Heavenly  Father  now,  by  His  own  Spirit, 
showed  me  was  the  cause  of  His  displeasure, 
and  that  I  must  repent  and  forsake  the  use 
of  it.  My  distress  of  mind  was  so  great  that 
my  body  became  affected,  and,  being  at  school, 
I  could  in  truth  ask  liberty  of  the  teacher  to 
go  home,  for  I  was  not  well. 

I  also  distinctly  remember  the  tender  solici- 
tude of  my  endeared  mother  in  nursing  me, 
which  seemed  to  add  to  my  condemnation.  I 
felt  that  I  had  not  only  offended  my  Heavenly 
Father,  but  was  putting  my  earthly  parent  to 
trouble  for  my  transgression ;  thus  I  lay  for 
several  hours  bemoaning  my  condition,  until  He 
who  sees  the  heart  was  pleased  to  forgive,  and 
speak  comfortably  to  my  soul.  Rejoicing  in 
the  return  of  peace,  and  acceptance  with  my 
Maker,  I  arose  from  my  couch,  told  my 


4  Memoir  of 

mother  I  was  better,  and  went  about  as 
usual ;  but  ever  after,  through  childhood, 
youth,  and  up  to  the  present  time,  I  have 
felt  a  great  fear  of  offending  Him  from  whom 
I  could  not  hide  my  most  secret  thoughts  or 
words.  I  had  tasted  the  bitterness  of  con- 
demnation and  separation  from  the  Divine 
harmony,  and  I  dreaded  it.  I  can  now  say, 
with  the  apostle,  that  even  the  ministration 
of  condemnation  is  glorious,  because  it  gives 
us  a  knowledge  of  what  we  lose  of  Divine 
enjoyment  by  transgression ;  and  is  an  evi- 
dence that  God  loves  us  and  follows  us  to 
cause  our  return  to  Him  in  full  obedience. 
Oh,  then,  how  much  more  glorious  is  the 
ministration  of  justification,  because  we  then 
feel  the  joy  of  acceptance  and  fellowship 
with  the  Father  and  with  one  another! 

Although  this  love  of  the  Father's  presence, 
and  the  fear  of  losing  it  by  disobedience,  has 
been  a  preservation  to  me  thus  far/  yet  had 
I  always  yielded  to  impressions  of  duty  to 
Him  I  should  have  escaped  much  suffering, 
and  enjoyed  a  part  of  my  life  much  better. 

In  childhood  and  youth  I  was  mostly  pre- 


Rachael  Hicks.  5 

served  in  innocency,  being  shielded  from  many 
temptations  by  the  restraining  care  and  tender 
solicitude  of  my  parents,  who,  early  in  life,  ha- 
bituated me  to  attend  meetings  steadily  twice  in 
the  week,  and  kept  me  in  "plainness  of  speech, 
behavior,  and  apparel."  Although  it  was  many 
times  much  in  the  cross  to  my  natural  inclina- 
tions, I  had  learned  that  submission  to  them 
was  my  duty ;  and  I  have  long  seen  that  these 
restraints  were  a  preservation  to  me  from  im- 
proper associations  and  from  the  growth  of 
vanity  and  pride,  of  which  I  had,  in  my  na- 
ture, a  great  share. 

My  father's  house  was  a  place  of  enter- 
tainment for  Friends  traveling  in  the  min- 
istry or  attending  quarterly  and  monthly 
meetings.  On  many  of  these  occasions  the 
company  settled  in  silence,  and  often  coun- 
sel flowed  sweetly,  to  the  tendering  of  many 
minds,  especially  those  of  the  young.  At 
these  seasons  impressions  were  made  on  my 
youthful  mind  that  have  never  been  effaced. 
I  loved  the  company  of  these  Friends  and 
these  seasons  of  religious  instruction,  and 
also  to  read  the  journals  of  Friends.  But 


6  Memoir  of 

more  especially  did  I  delight  in  reading  the 
historical  part  of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  The 
accounts  of  the  patriarchs,  prophets,  and 
apostles,  particularly  the  history  of  Joseph, 
made  a  deep  impression  on  my  mind  as  a 
remarkable  instance  of  the  superintending 
care  of  Providence  over  His  children,  and 
a  desire  was  often  raised  in  my  heart  to  be 
like  those  faithful  servants  of  the  Lord,  ot 
whom  I  read.  Yet,  at  other  times,  I  was 
fond  of  childish  play,  of  hearing  the  singing 
of  songs,  and  of  listening  to  small  instruments 
of  music,  in  which  I  indulged  in  the  absence  of 
my  parents,  until  condemnation  of  spirit  taught 
me  to  cease  from  it.  Thus  I  renewedly  learned, 
by  experience,  that  there  is  more  enjoyment  in 
obedience  to  God,  and  in  feeling  the  incomes 
of  His  love,  than  there  is  in  the  indulgence  of 
the  unrestrained  natural  desires. 

In  childhood  I  contemplated  death  as  a 
most  solemn  and  awful  event ;  and  my  parents 
early  impressed  my  mind  with  a  dread  of  dy- 
ing unprepared ;  and  hearing  of  individuals 
who  had  been  suddenly  taken  out  of  time — 
sometimes  by  lightning — the  fear  of  that  phe- 


Rachael  Hicks.  7 

nomenon  was  so  great  that,  when  I  saw  clouds 
arising  and  heard  the  roar  of  thunder,  I  was 
led  into  a  close  examination  of  my  inward 
state,  to  see  if  I  was  prepared  for  death,  and 
fervent  petitions  were  put  up  to  my  Heavenly 
Father  to  forgive  all  my  sins,  if  I  had  trans- 
gressed against  Him.  Now  as  I  review  the 
past,  I  believe  that  this  fear  was  a  preservation 
to  me,  as  it  led  to  a  daily  care  not  to  offend 
Him  who  is  pure  and  holy;  for  an  unshaken 
belief  in  the  immortality  of  the  soul,  and  in 
future  rewards  to  the  good,  and  punishment  to 
the  wicked,  was  forced  on  my  mind. 

My  parents  were  in  the  practice  of  collecting 
the  members  of  their  family  in  the  twilight  of 
the  evening,  when  the  labors  of  the  day  were 
finished,  and  sitting  in  silent  retirement  per- 
haps half  an  hour.  In  one  of  these  opportuni- 
ties of  introversion  of  spirit,  about  the  nine- 
teenth year  of  my  age,  my  mind  was  turned 
to  my  Father  in  Heaven  with  strong  desires 
to  serve  Him  through  life,  and  be  preserved 
from  sin,  and  its  awful  consequences;  when 
the  language  was  sounded  intelligibly  to  my 
mental  ear,  "  If  faithful  to  My  requirings,  thou 


8  Memoir  of 

wilt  have  to  speak  in  My  name  to  the  assem- 
blies of  the  people,  and  travel  extensively  in 
the  ministry."  This  was  an  unexpected  and 
unwelcome  message.  My  nature  revolted, 
and  I  said  in  my  heart,  "  This  is  a  service  I 
cannot  perform."  Timid  and  bashful  by  na- 
ture, I  felt  that  I  never  could  stand  before  an 
assembly  of  people,  and  address  them  with  in- 
telligible voice  and  language.  Any  other  ser- 
vice I  thought  I  could  perform,  or  make  any 
sacrifice  in  lieu  of  so  great  a  work  for  which  I 
felt  unfit  and  unworthy. 

Although  I  endeavored  to  persuade  myself 
that  this  was  a  delusion  of  the  imagination, 
the  impression  continued  with  me,  without 
the  intimation  that  I  was  to  arise  and  speak, 
until,  in  my  twentieth  year,  while  sitting  in 
our  meeting  at  Westbury  enjoying  the  sweet 
incomes  of  the  Father's  love,  and  fearing  the 
word  of  command,  I  said  in  my  heart,  "  With- 
hold Thy  hand,  for  if  my  cup  thus  overflow,  I 
shall  be  constrained  to  tell  unto  others  what 
Thou  hast  done  for  my  soul."  This  request, 
though  impious  and  unwise  upon  my  part,  my 
Creator,  in  wisdom  inscrutable,  saw  best  to 


Rachael  Hicks.  9 

grant ;  and  a  sensible  feeling  of  His  presence 
was  withdrawn,  and  long  was  I  left,  as  a  dove 
without  its  mate,  moaning  my  condition,  and 
longing  for  the  return  of  the  Beloved  of  my 
soul.  Often  did  my  spiritual  eye  see  a  table 
spread  with  rich  dainties  by  His  bountiful 
hand,  and  my  famishing  soul  desired  to  par- 
take ;  but  when  the  terms  of  admission  were 
shown  me,  my  stubborn  will  would  not  yield, 
and  again  and  again  I  was  turned  backward 
in  the  wilderness,  where  beasts  of  prey  howled 
around  me,  and  I  feared  that  I  should  fall  a 
victim.  'In  this  state  of  rebellion  the  earth 
brought  forth  thorns  and  thistles  ;  or,  in  other 
words,  the  propensities  of  human  nature  grew 
strong,  and  I  was  sometimes  irritable  and  im- 
patient ;  whereas  I  had  heretofore  been  called 
mild  and  gentle  in  my  disposition.  Oh !  the 
danger  of  disobedience,  which  disqualifies  for 
the  right  performance  of  our  earthly  con- 
cerns ! 

When  I  was  about  eighteen  years  of  age 
my  beloved  mother  was  removed  by  death  ; 
and  in  my  twenty-sixth  year  I  was  married  to 
Abraham  Hicks,  of  Rockaway,  Long  Island. 


io  Memoir  of 

I  had  many  cares  and  duties  resting  upon  me 
as  a  daughter  to  an  aged  father,  and  as  a  wife 
and  mother.  Although  I  strongly  desired  to 
discharge  my  various  duties  to  my  loved  ones, 
and  set  a  good  example  to  all  around  me,  I 
was  sensible  that  I  did  not  always  maintain 
that  degree  of  patience  and  equanimity  of 
temper  I  would  have  been  favored  with  had 
I  been  faithfully  obedient  to  my  Creator. 
This  grieved  me,  for  I  loved  the  Truth,  and  de- 
sired not  to  do  anything  that  would  bring  dis- 
honor upon  the  profession  of  it. 

The  exercises  of  my  mind  were  many  and 
heavy,  and,  being  depicted  in  my  countenance, 
I  was  considered  a  concerned  Friend,  and  was 
often  appointed  to  the  most  important  ser- 
vices in  our  Society.  Although  I  felt  myself 
to  be  among  the  chief  of  sinners,  in  the  omis- 
sion of  a  known  duty,  and  therefore  a  great 
hypocrite,  it  seemed  right  for  me  to  submit  to 
the  judgment  of  my  friends,  and  do  the  best  I 

could  in  these  appointments.      I  nevertheless 

• 
felt  that  I  had  been  called  to  another  station 

in  the  Church  Militant  by  my  Creator,  who, 
although  I  was  tossed,  and  not  comforted,  did 


Rachael  Hicks.  1 1 

not  forsake,  but  followed  me  with  His  fatherly 
chastisements. 

I  had  many  and  various  trials  and  bereave- 
ments during  this  .period,  which  were  close 
and  hard  to  endure ;  among  them  the  loss  of 
my  beloved  husband,  and  two  lovely  children. 
But  above  all  these,  temptations  seemed  to 
have  more  power  over  me,  and  I  saw  in  the 
light  of  Truth  that  if  I  did  not  yield  my  strong 
will  to  the  will  of  my  Creator,  He  would  ere 
long  give  me  over  to  my  own  strength  and 
resolutions,  which  would  be  insufficient  to  en- 
able me  much  longer  to  sustain  even  a  mor- 
al character.  Notwithstanding  this,  although 
alarmed  and  distressed  beyond  description,  I 
did  not  yield  ;  until,  in  my  forty-second  year, 
while  sitting  in  meeting  on  First-day  morning, 
I  there  felt  a  requisition  to  arise  and  bear  testi- 
mony to  the  Truth,  with  the  impression  strong 
and  clear  that  this  was  the  last  offer  and  invi- 
tation of  the  Divine  Father's  love  to  my  soul ; 
and  if  I  chose  to  allow  the  meeting  to  close 
without  submission  I  should  be  forever  sepa- 
rated from  the  Divine  harmony,  in  this  world 
and  in  the  world  to  come. 


12  Memoir  of 

As  this  was  awfully  impressed  upon  my  mind 
by  the  immediate  operation  of  the  Lord's 
Spirit,  a  minister  belonging  to  our  meeting 
arose  and  said  there  was  one  present  who,  if 
not  faithful,  would  be  cast  off  into  a  state  of 
forgetfulness  and  darkness  forever.  I  now  saw 
and  felt  that  there  was  inward  and  outward 
evidence  of  my  being  utterly  cast  off,  which 
was  more  than  I  could  bear  or  risk.  I  arose 
on  my  feet,  and  audibly  and  distinctly  uttered 
a  few  sentences  ;  proving  that  to  be  a  lying 
spirit  which  had  so  long  persuaded  me  that  I 
could  not  speak  in  a  public  assembly. 

As  I  took  my  seat  I  did  not  feel  that  songs 
of  praise  and  rejoicing  were  given  me ;  but  a 
peaceful  and  awful  solemnity  covered  my 
spirit,  in  the  feeling  that  my  soul  through 
mercy  had  been  saved  from  eternal  ruin,  on 
the  verge  of  which  I  had  so  lately  stood !  All 
within  me  bowed  in  submission  to  Him  who 
now  appeared  to  me  to  be  glorious  in  holiness, 
fearful  in  praises,  doing  wonders  !  and  I  entered 
into  covenant  with  Him  that,  if  He  would  go 
with  me,  I  would  follow  Him  whithersoever 
He  would  be  pleased  to  lead  me,  and  declare 


Rachael  Hicks.  13 

to   the   people   that   which    He   gave  me  for 
them. 

And  now,  on  looking  back,  I  humbly  feel 
that  in  great  weakness  and  fear  of  offending . 
Him,  I  have  kept  my  covenant,  except  it  may 
be  in  a  few  instances,  when,  through  the  fear 
of  man  and  his  rebuke,  I  have  withheld  the 
doctrine  that  flowed  in  my  heart  to  the  gath- 
ered assemblies  of  the  people.  Blessed  be  His 
name,  He  has  kept  His  covenant  with  me  ! 
He  has  done  wonders  for  me  in  breaking  down 
my  strong  will,  that  rose  up  in  rebellion 
against  Him,  somewhat  more  than  twenty 
years!  His  mercy  is  commensurate  with  His 
power,  in  that  He  did  not  leave  me,  but  fol- 
lowed me  as  a  tender  Father,  and  at  last 
plucked  my  feet  out  of  the  "  miry  clay,"  and 
set  them  on  the  immutable  Rock,  even  His 
own  eternal  power  and  wisdom.  Praises  and 
thanksgiving  be  ascribed  to  Him  forever  and 
ever !  saith  all  that  is  within  me  capable  of 
feeling. 


14  Memoir  of 


CHAPTER  II. 

Some  Account  of  her  Husband — Reflections  incident  to  his 
Illness  and  Death — Account  of  her  Ancestors — Origin  of 
the  Township  of  Westbury. 

BEFORE  proceeding  further  with  my  own  nar- 
rative it  seems  due  to  my  deceased  husband 
to  give  some  account  of  his  life  and  religious 
exercises. 

He  was  born  at  Rockaway,  the  i6th  of  ist 
mo.,  1792,  and  was  carefully  educated  in  mo- 
rality by  his  parents,  Stephen  and  Mary 
Hicks,  who,  having  been  brought  up  in  dif- 
ferent religious  societies — (his  father,  a  broth- 
er of  Elias  Hicks,  like  him,  was  educated 
in  the  principles  of  the  Society  of  Friends — 
his  mother  being  an  Episcopalian) — did  not 
instil  any  particular  doctrines  in  the  minds  of 
their  children,  but  left  them  at  liberty  to  choose 
and  judge  for  themselves  when  they  arrived  at 
maturity.  Hence,  this  son,  when  he  grew  up 
to  manhood,  being  of  a  serious  turn  of  mind, 


Rachael  Hicks.  i5 

and  feeling  a  desire  to  join  a  religious  society, 
attended  the  meetings  of  several  religious  de- 
nominations. But  not  finding  in  them  that 
peace  of  mind  which  his  soul  sought  for,  about 
the  twenty-second  year  of  his  age  he  felt  drawn 
to  attend  the  public  Quarterly  Meeting  of 
Friends  held  at  Westbury.  Here,  by  the 
preaching  of  Stephen  Grillet,  his  mind  was  ten- 
dered, and  he  felt  that  God  is  worshiped  in 
spirit,  and  not  by  forms  and  ceremonies ;  and 
his  judgment  was  convinced  that  His  kingdom 
is  within  man,  and  that  those  who  seek  it  must 
find  it  there,  by  doing  the  will  of  our  Father 
who  is  in  Heaven. 

Soon  after  this,  the  testimony  of  his  uncle, 
Elias  Hicks,  that  it  were  better  for  a  man 
never  to  have  known  the  Truth,  than  to  have 
known  it  and  not  be  faithful  to  its  teachings, 
proved  as  the  clinching  of  "  a  nail  in  a  sure 
place."  He  now  saw  clearly  that  the  Society 
of  Friends  was  the  denomination  he  must  join, 
if  he  obtained  that  peace  which  his  soul  was 
seeking. 

As  he  gradually  yielded  to  the  teachings  of 
the  Spirit  of  Truth,  his  mind  was  illuminated 


1 6  Memoir  of 

to  see  that  customs  and  practices,  amusements, 
fashionable  dress  and  address,  deemed  inno- 
cent by  many,  tended  to  puff  up  the  mind 
with  pride  and  vanity,  and  that  now  he  was  to 
cease  from  them.  Great  were  the  exercises, 
and  deep  the  baptisms  he  passed  through,  to 
prepare  him  to  make  the  sacrifices  called  for, 
so  that  he  sought  lonely  and  solitary  places  to 
retire  to,  and  pour  out  his  prayers  to  God. 
Particular  spots  and  groves  on  his  father's  farm 
in  after  life,  when  he  saw  them,  revived  in  his 
memory  the  many  mournful  seasons  of  which 
they  had  been  the  silent  witnesses,  and  the 
tears  he  had  shed  there.  But  they  were  not 
always  tears  of  sorrow,  for  when  his  mind  was 
contrited  and  made  willing  to  obey  the  re- 
quirements of  the  Truth,  his  Divine  Master 
visited  him  in  tender  compassion  and  conso- 
lation. Tears  of  gratitude  and  joy  then  flowed 
freely,  and  he  was  constrained  to  enter  into 
covenant  to  serve  the  Lord  in  his  day  and  gen- 
eration. 

He  was  thus  enabled  to  take  up  his  cross, 
despising  the  shame,  and  counting  the  re- 
proaches of  men  as  dross  in  comparison  with 


Rachael  Hicks.  17 

that  peace   of  mind   which   the   world   could 
neither  give  nor  take  away. 

One  duty  after  another  was  required  as  he 
was  able  to  bear  it,  and  although  some  little 
things  were  called  for,  it  seemed  harder  to 
yield  the  will  in  these  than  if  greater  ones  had 
been  demanded.  Those  who  had  not  had  the 
trial,  could  not  form  an  idea  of  the  greatness 
of  the  cross  in  putting  on  the  plain  dress, 
using  the  plain  language,  and  attending  meet- 
ings twice  in  the  week.  Having  fourteen  miles 
to  ride  to  get  there,  and  his  constitution  being 
delicate,  it  seemed  an  unwarrantable  exposure. 
None  of  his  father's  family  then  feeling  as  he 
did  on  these  subjects,  he  expected  their  ridi- 
cule, and  "  the  world's  dread  laugh ; "  but 
when  he  resignedly  put  his  convictions  into 
practice,  instead  of  this,  his  family  treated  him 
with  greater  kindness  and  tenderness  than 
heretofore.  During  these  religious  exercises 
he  read  much  in  the  Scriptures  of  Truth,  and 
found  great  instruction  and  consolation  in  them. 

Notwithstanding  his  mind  was  thus  brought 
into  subjection  to  the  Divine  Will,  he  did  not 
soon  make  a  request  to  be  joined  in  member- 


1 8  Memoir  of 

ship  with  Friends,  feeling  it  to  be  a  great 
thing  to  take  upon  him  so  high  a  profession  as 
that  of  being  led  and  guided  by  the  Spirit  of 
Truth.  Thus,  from  an  apprehension  of  his 
own  unworthiness,  he  put  off  what  he  felt 
to  be  a  requisition  of  his  Divine  Master,  until 
about  the  year  1813,  when  he  was  readily  re- 
ceived by  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  Westbury. 

In  twelfth  month,  1815,  we  were  married. 
Soon  after  he  appeared  in  the  ministry, 
and  here  again  he  had  to  go  down  into  deep 
humiliation,  sore  conflicts,  and  baptisms;  but 
patiently  abiding  under  the  preparing  hand,  he 
became  qualified  to  preach  the  gospel  in  the 
power  and  authority  thereof,  and  in  due  time 
his  gift  was  acknowledged  by  Friends. 

Although  not  lengthy  in  his  communica- 
tions, he  was  sometimes  close  and  searching, 
and,  being  faithful  to  the  requirings  of  his 
Heavenly  Father,  he  was  enabled  to  do  his 
day's  work  in  the  daytime.  When  laid  on  the 
bed  of  sickness,  previous  to  his  death,  he  said  he 
had  nothing  to  do  but  to  bear  the  sufferings 
of  the  body.  For  eighteen  months  he  was  con- 
fined, mostly  to  his  chamber,  with  consump- 


Rachael  Hicks.  19 

tion ;  much  of  the  time  his  sufferings  were 
severe,  but  he  bore  all  with  great  patience 
and  resignation.  Hearing  of  several  sudden 
deaths,  he  remarked,  "Oh!  how  they  have 
been  favored !  What  have  I  done  that  I  must 
lie  here  so  long  and  suffer?  I  see  nothing  in 
my  way.  If  I  had  any  more  service  for  my 
Lord  and  Master  I  believe  He  would  make 
me  sensible  of  it,  but  I  see  nothing  more  than 
patiently  to  wait  until  the  end  ;  although  I 
desire  to  be  released,  all  is  centred  in  '  Thy 
will  be  done.'  "  Thus  he  lay,  still  and  quiet ; 
so  much  so  that  in  the  evening  it  was  some 
times  remarked  that  he  had  had  a  comfort- 
able day,  to  which  he  replied,  "  I  have  had 
as  much  pain  as  I  was  able  to  endure;  but  to 
tell  of  it  would  not  relieve  it.  I  am  some- 
times tried  as  to  an  hair's-breadth,  but  I 
endeavor  to  be  patient." 

Thus,  without  a  complaint,  the  body  wasted 
away,  but  the  mind  remained  clear  and  bright 
until  the  closing  scene.  On  the  8th  of  5th 
mo.,  1827,  the  immortal  spirit  was  released 
from  its  suffering  tenement,  and,  we  doubt  not, 
entered  into  everlasting  rest  and  peace. 


2O  Memoir  of 

We  had'lived  together  eleven  years  in  har- 
mony and  unity  of  spirit,  being  favored  to  see 
eye  to  eye  in  those  doctrines  which  for  several 
years  previous  to  his  sickness  had  been  dis- 
cussed and  controverted  in  the  Society  of 
Friends,  tending  to  lessen  and  break  up  the 
sweet  unity  and  free  social  intercourse  which 
from  the  beginning  had  been  enjoyed  in  a  re- 
markable degree.  And  this  was  cause  of  sorrow 
to  us.  During  his  sickness  he  requested  that 
the  subject  might  not  be  conversed  upon  in  his 
presence,  or  the  books  and  papers  published 
brought  into  his  room ;  often  saying,  "  If 
Friends  would  be  still  and  retired  in  spirit  be- 
fore the  Lord,  it  would  be  better  for  them." 

In  his  own  experience  he  had  never  found 
any  other  enemy  to  his  soul's  peace  than  that 
which  he  felt  within  him,  which  he  believed 
belonged  to  his  human  nature,  and  he  had  no 
hope  of  redemption  but  by  the  Divine  life  of 
God  in  his  soul,  cleansing  it  from  the  inordi- 
nate desires  of  the  flesh,  and  giving  him  the 
victory  over  temptation.  Thus  he  knew 
Christ  within  to  be  the  "  resurrection  and  the 
life."  These  things  he  had  learned  by  ex- 


Rachael  Hicks.  21 

perience  in  the  conflicts  and  baptisms  of  his 
early  religious  exercises.  I  fully  united  with 
him  in  his  views  of  the  Christian  religion,  hav- 
ing learned  them,  also,  in  my  own  experience 
in  early  life. 

I  likewise  feel  it  right  for  me,  and  due  to  my 
ancestors,  to  record  some  account  of  their  re- 
ligious experiences.  Of  my  dear  father,  Gideon 
Seaman,  it  may  be  truly  said  that  through  life 
he  had  been  remarkable  for  consistency,  up- 
rightness, and  integrity.  He  was  deeply  con- 
cerned for  the  maintenance  of  all  our  testimo- 
nies, traveled  much  as  a  companion  to  minis- 
ters in  the  service  of  their  Lord  and  Master, 
and  on  committees  of  our  Yearly  and  subordi- 
nate meetings,  and  also  filled  with  usefulness 
many  important  stations  in  our  Society.  Es- 
pecially as  an  elder  he  was  considered  a  father 
in  Israel.  His  house  and  heart  were  open  to 
receive  his  friends,  and  very  many  have  par- 
taken, under  his  roof,  of  his  kindness  and 
hospitality.  In  early  life  he  was  closely  united 
in  spirit  with  those  who  had  become  uneasy 
with  the  holding  of  slaves  by  Friends;  and 
was  one  of  the  faithful  laborers,  in  that  day, 


22  Memoir  of 

in  promoting  emancipation.  After  Friends 
had  liberated  their  slaves,  he,  with  others, 
felt  a  concern  to  remunerate  those  who  had 
labored  for  their  former  owners  after  the  age 
for  which  white  children  were  usually  bound. 

After  this  was  accomplished  in  Westbury 
Monthly  Meeting  (from  which  Jericho  Monthly 
Meeting  had  not  then  been  set  off),  some  con- 
cerned Friends  formed  an  association  called 
the  "  Charity  Society,"  which  is  still  in  opera- 
tion, and  a  fund  was  raised,  the  interest  of 
which  was  used,  and  still  is,  for  the  schooling 
of  colored  children,  I  well  remember  hearing 
my  father  speak  of  the  satisfaction  these  labors 
yielded  to  his  mind,  believing  that  Friends 
had  done  all  that  the  principles  of  justice  and 
mercy  required  of  them  in  this  particular. 

In  his  serious  reflections  on  the  prob- 
able result  to  the  African  race  amongst  us,  it 
settled  on  his  mind  as  a  truth  that  if  white 
people  dealt  justly  by  them,  and  they  them- 
selves improved  the  privileges  liberty  gave 
them,  they  would  become  useful  citizens ;  but 
if  they  were  idle  and  dissipated  in  their  habits, 
they  would  dwindle  and  be  removed  out  of 


Rachael  Hicks.  23 

the  way — which,  in  some  instances,  he  lived 
to  see  verified.  During  the  remainder  of  his 
life,  until  his  mind  was  impaired  by  paralysis, 
he  was  concerned  and  careful  to  avoid  using 
the  produce  of  slave  labor — thus  bearing  a 
faithful  and  consistent  testimony  against  this 
great  and  crying  evil. 

But  we  see,  notwithstanding,  exemplified  in 
his  life  and  experience,  that  good  works, 
though  indispensable  to  the  Christian,  and 
which  were  in  him  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit,  are 
not  of  themselves  sufficient  to  effect  the  soul's 
salvation.  In  a  time  of  close  trial  he  did  not 
rely  upon  these,  but  upon  the  mercy  and  good- 
ness of  God  for  admittance  into  the  Kingdom 
of  Heaven.  At  one  time  he  said,  "  I  have 
thought  much  of  the  expression  in  a  letter  of 
Elias  Hicks  to  Hugh  Judge,  that  if  we  are 
saved  at  last  it  is  '  through  unmerited  mercy ; ' 
a  great  and  good  saying."  This  he  expressed 
during  a  short  illness  in  1831,  in  the  eighty- 
eighth  year  of  his  age. 

Under  a  heavy  weight  of  exercise  of  mind, 
at  a  time  when  his  recovery  seemed  doubtful, 
he  said,  "  It  is  a  great  thing  at  such  a  time 


24  Memoir  of 

as  this  to  feel  fully  approved  in  the  Divine 
Sight.  Many  men  pass  along  pretty  well ; 
but  we  are  so  prone  to  evil — so  much  for  the 
world  and  the  things  thereof — which  are  of  lit- 
tle value  compared  with  that  which  is  to  come. 
At  such  a  time  as  this  it  will  not  do,  it  is  not 
enough ;  what  are  ten  thousand  worlds  com- 
pared with  the  salvation  of  the  immortal  soul ! " 
He  soon  after  added,  "  It  is  an  awful  thing  to 
die."  In  reply  it  was  said  to  him,  that  we  ap- 
prehended he  was  ready,  and  saw  nothing  in 
his  way.  He  answered,  "  I  do  not  feel  that 
full  assurance  that  I  would  wish."  It  was  re- 
marked to  him  that  the  Divine  Master  had  to 
say  when  near  the  close,  "  Why  hast  thou  for- 
saken me?  "  On  being  reminded  of  his  great 
faithfulness  in  doing  that  which  he  believed  to 
be  right,  he  replied,  "  Yes,  mainly — but  I  was 
called  to  the  ministry  about  fifty  years  ago. 
The  cross  was  so  great  that  I  gave  up  but  a  few 
times,  for  which  I  felt  great  peace ;  but  the 
fear  of  man  prevailed,  so  that  I  did  not  give 
up  fully,  and  thus  I  lost  my  reward  and  my 
strength,  and  suffered  great  distress  of  mind. 
I  now  feel  poor  and  dry,  and  good  for  nothing  ; 


Rachael  Hicks.  25 

but  I  keep  my  mind  inward  and  strive  for 
patience.  My  life  may  be  prolonged  ;  if  so,  I 
shall  feel  humbly  thankful." 

I  was  deeply  affected  to  see  my  aged  parent 
thus  stripped  and  proved,  and  said  in  my 
heart,  "The  fear  of  man  prevailed  in  him,  even 
to  disobedience  to  his  Creator;  but,  in  this 
solemn  moment,  where  are  they  of  whom  he 
was  afraid  in  early  life  ?  They  have  all  passed 
away,  and  he  is  left  alone ;  of  all  that  genera- 
tion there  is  not  one  now  to  soothe  or  re- 
buke him."  Oh!  reader,  whoever  thou  art, 
take  warning,  and  fear  Him  only  who  lives  for- 
ever! 

Through  Divine  favor  my  dear  father  did  re- 
cover his  health,  and  for  years — until  a  stroke 
of  paralysis  deprived  him  of  speech  —  gave 
abundant  evidence  that  his  mind  centred  in 
waiting  upon  the  Lord,  and  I  have  no  doubt 
that  this  season  of  deep  suffering  and  conflict 
was  dispensed  for  his  purification ;  to  prepare 
the  soul  for  that  state  of  bliss  and  joy  in  store 
for  the  righteous  through  all  eternity  with  the 
innumerable  host  who  "  came  out  of  great 
tribulation,  and  have  washed  their  robes  and 


26  Memoir  of 

made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb," 
which  is  the  Divine  life  of  God  in  the  soul. 
He  died  in  his  ninety-third  year. 

My  father's  father,  Thomas  Seaman,  died  in 
1804,  aged  about  ninety-two.  Although  he 
had  been  religiously  concerned  from  his  youth, 
in  early  manhood  he  bought  a  colored  man, 
whom,  being  of  an  unpleasant  temper,  he  sold 
—but  when  Friends  became  concerned  on  the 
subject  of  holding  slaves,  he  bought  him  back 
again,  and  set  him  free.  I  record  this  to  show 
the  necessity  of  charity  and  forbearance  one 
with  another.  Friends  in  this  country  were 
brought  up  in  familiarity  with  the  practice  of 
holding  slaves,  and  many  faithful  ones  did  not 
see  its  inconsistency  while  the  slaves  were 
kindly  treated.  But  being  faithfully  obedient, 
in  due  time  the  eye  of  the  mind  was  opened  to 
see  that  liberty  was  the  right  of  all,  without 
distinction  of  color  or  nation.  Thus  there  was 
an  advancement  in  purity  of  life  and  conduct, 
consequent  upon  an  advancement  in  the  life 
and  power  of  Truth. 

My  grandfather  was  regular  in  his  attend- 
ance of  our  religious  meetings  until  very  ad- 


Rachael  Hicks.  27 

vanced  age.  I  well  remember  his  serious  coun- 
tenance and  dignified  deportment,  especially 
in  meetings.  Friends  in  this  neighborhood 
having  lived  in  great  simplicity  and  plainness, 
he  was  grieved  in  old  age  to  see  a  change  tak- 
ing place  ;  and  often  with  a  sigh  would  say, 
"  Pride  and  greatness  are  creeping  in  among 
Friends."  Another  common  expression  of  his 
was,  "  Gratitude  for  our  many  favors  is  much 
wanting  among  mankind." 

His  father,  Nathaniel  Seaman,  was  also  a  re- 
ligiously concerned  Friend.  In  early  life  he 
married  Rachel,  daughter  of  Henry  and  Mary 
Willis — valuable  Friends — who  came  from  Eng- 
land, and  bought  a  tract  of  land  of  John  Sea- 
man, and  named  it  Westbury,  after  Westbury 
in  England.  In  my  childhood,  adjoining  the 
house  I  now  live  in,  stood  one  they  built  in 
1688  ;  a  meeting  was  alternately  held  here,  and 
at  the  house  of  a  neighboring  Friend  named 
Titus,  some  time  before  a  meeting-house 
was  built  in  the  place.  Not  long  after  the 
marriage  of  Nathaniel  Seaman,  he  bought 
this  farm  of  his  wife's  father,  Henry  Willis, 
who  removed  to  Jericho,  and  was  the  an- 


28  Memoir  of 

cestor  of  those  in  that  locality  who  bear  his 
name. 

John  Seaman,  the  father  of  Nathaniel,  bought 
of  the  Indians  the  tract  of  land  above  alluded 
to.  He  was  not  a  member  of  our  Society,  al- 
though, from  incidents  in  his  life  which  my 
father,  with  great  satisfaction,  used  to  relate,  it 
appears  that  he  was,  in  some  degree,  a  Friend 
in  principle.  On  one  occasion  the  men  of  the 
village  of  Hempstead,  where  he  resided,  sent 
to  him  (as  he  was  Justice  of  the  Peace)  for  a 
warrant  to  take  up  a  Quaker  who  had  had  a 
meeting  there,  which  he  refused,  saying,  "  If  he 
has  not  broken  the  peace,  let  him  go  about  his 
business."  The  Friend,  in  conversation  with  a 
priest,  was  seen  to  have  the  best  of  the  argu- 
ment, and  was  therefore  an  overmatch  for  him  I 
but  the  people,  intent  on  their  purpose,  went 
to  another  magistrate  and  obtained  a  warrant, 
and  the  Quaker  was  tied  to  the  hinder  part  of 
a  cart,  and  thus  taken  to  Jamaica  and  put  into 
prison. 

At  another  time  John  Seaman  (as  he  was 
also  captain  of  the  militia)  was  informed  that  a 
large  number  of  Indians  were  coming  to  cut 


Rachael  Hicks.  29 

off  the  white  people.  This  brought  him  under 
a  great  weight  of  exercise ;  but,  turning  his 
mind  to  the  Almighty  for  counsel  and. direc- 
tion, he  felt  prepared  to  go  out  with  the  few 
white  men  of  the  then  small  village,  to  whom, 
although  armed,  he  gave  positive  orders  not  to 
fire  on  the  Indians  unless  he  gave  them  the 
order.  Thus  he  met  the  thousand  that  were 
marching  toward  them,  and  ordered  the  head 
man  or  chief  to  stop,  and,  obtaining  from  him 
a  promise  that  the  Indians  should  do  no  harm, 
he  told  them  they  might  go  on,  and,  walking 
by  his  side,  he  perceived  the  chief  to  tremble. 
Captain  John  Seaman — as  his  own  son  Na- 
thaniel related  to  my  father — ever  after  spoke 
of  the  circumstance  with  seriousness  as  a  Provi- 
dential deliverance.  I  feel  it  right  to  record 
this  account  as  an  evidence  to  show  that  had 
the  aborigines  of  our  country  always  been 
wisely  and  justly  dealt  with,  room  would  have 
been  made  for  the  white  settlers  without  the 
shedding  of  blood. 

My  mother's  ancestors,  Thomas  and  Mary 
Dobson,were  Friends.  They  came  from  Eng- 
land and  settled  in  the  city  of  New  York  when 


30  Memoir  of 

it  was  very  small.  They  were  remarkable  for 
amiability  and  sweetness  of  spirit,  and  many  of 
their  numerous  posterity  were  and  are  Friends 
who  exhibited  these  desirable  traits  of  char- 
acter. 


Rachael  Hicks.  31 

CHAPTER  III. 

1828    TO    1833. 

Separation   in   New  York   Yearly   Meeting — Her   Religious 
Experiences  and  Exercises — Death  of  Two  Children. 

HAVING  given  a  brief  account  of  my  ances- 
tors, I  now  return  to  my  own  narrative  and 
continue  it  in  the  cross  to  my  own  will,  not 
liking  to  speak  or  write  of  myself,  yet  feeljng 
that  ere  this  is  beheld  by  mortal  eye,  I  shall 
have  passed  into  that  state  in  which  the  opin- 
ions of  men  cannot  reach  or  affect  me. 

In  1828  the  Separation  in  New  York  Yearly 
Meeting  occurred,  which  brought  a  close  trial 
upon  me,  as  many  Friends,  with  my  aged  parent, 
whom  I  had  loved  almost  to  veneration,  were  of 
those  called  "Orthodox,"  who  now  left  us,  whom 
they  termed  "  Hicksites."  Although  I  had 
taken  no  part  in  the  controversy,  I  was  sorely 
grieved,  for  I  saw-  that  differences  of  opinion 
separated  very  dear  friends.  My  venerable 
father  was  sorrowful  because  I  could  not  go 


32  Memoir  of 

with  him  ;  and  I  said,  in  my  heart,  "  How  can 
it  be  that  my  Heavenly  Father  requires  of  me 
that  which  seems  to  be  bringing  down  the  gray 
hairs  of  my  earthly  parent  with  sorrow  to  the 
grave  ?  " 

Oh,  how  often,  at  these  trying  seasons, 
did  the  language  of  the  Holy  Jesus,  who 
declared  that  He  "  came  to  bear  witness  unto 
the  truth,"  revive  in  my  mind  !  "  He  that  lov- 
eth  father  or  mother  more  than  me  is  not 
worthy  of  me;  "  and  again,  "  Every  one  that 
hath  forsaken  houses,  or  brethren,  or  sisters,  or 
father,  or  mother,  or  wife,  or  children,  or  lands, 
for  my  name's  sake,  shall  receive  an  hundred- 
fold, and  shall  inherit  everlasting  life."  I  felt 
that  not  only  the  good  opinion  of  many  I 
dearly  loved  was  to  be  given  up,  but  houses 
and  lands  also ;  all  of  these  I  was  made  willing 
to  resign  for  acceptance  with  my  Father  in 
Heaven  through  and  by  obedience  to  Christ, 
the  power  and  wisdom  of  God  in  my  soul ;  for 
in  no  other  way  could  I  see  salvation  by 
Christ.  On  account  of  this,  when  I  lay  on  a 
bed  of  sickness,  doubtful  of  recovery,  I  was 
told  by  eminent  ministers  that  I  was  deluded 


Rachael  Hicks.  33 

and  wandering  from  the  right  path,  and  could 
not  be  saved  unless  I  believed  in  the  atoning 
blood  of  Christ  on  the  cross,  etc.,  etc. 

Deep  were  my  exercises,  especially  when  I 
saw  my  father's  sad  countenance  and  remem- 
bered his  pleading  with  me;  and,  for  his  sake,  I 
wished  T  could  subscribe  to  those  doctrines 
called  "  Orthodox."  Strong  were  my  petitions 
to  my  Heavenly  Father  that  if  I  had  all  my  life 
long  been  mistaken,  He  would  open  my  eyes 
to  see  it,  and  enable  me  to  come  out  of  every 
doctrine  and  opinion  that  was  not  consistent 
with  His  will  concerning  me.  Never  has  He 
given  me  to  see  that  the  early  impressions  on 
my  mind,  to  obey  His  will  inwardly  revealed, 
as  the  only  way  to  the  kingdom  of  Heaven, 
were  to  be  given  up,  or  any  other  substituted 
for  this  plain  and  simple  way.  And,  at  this 
time,  the  more  I  read  and  heard  of  the  decla- 
ration of  their  plan  of  salvation,  the  more  I 
was  confirmed  in  the  belief  of  the  all-sufficiency 
of  the  "Grace  of  God,"  through  His  mercy,  to 
bring  salvation  to  the  obedient  soul. 

I  well  remember  in  early  life  when  I  read 
some  of  the  writings  of  ancient  Friends  and  the 
3 


34  Memoir  of 

declarations  of  the  apostles  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment concerning  the  blood  of  the  body  of  Jesus 
Christ,  shed  on  the  Cross,  being  the  propitiation 
for  the  sins  of  mankind,  I  reflected  and  could 
not  comprehend  it,  and  asked  my  father  for  an 
explanation,  telling  him  that  when  I  sinned  I 
suffered  justly  for  my  sins,  and  when  I  repented 
my  gracious  Creator  forgave  me  and  received 
me  again  into  favor  ;  but  I  could  not  see  or  feel 
that  it  was  just  for  that  Holy  Personage  to  suf- 
fer to  atone  for  my  sins.  My  dear  father  replied 
that  the  doctrine  was  too  deep  for  my  young 
and  inexperienced  mind  ;  it  was  better  for  me 
to  leave  it  and  attend  simply  to  the  teaching 
of  the  Spirit  of  Truth  in  my  own  soul,  which 
was  sufficient  for  me.  This  reply  I  repeated  to 
him  when  he,  in  1828,  in  great  sincerity  and 
concern,  labored  with  me  for  (as  he  believed) 
my  unbelief  and  unsoundness.  He  said,  "  It 
maybe  I  was  deficient  in  thy  education  ; "  but, 
after  a  time  of  solemn  silence,  added,  "  I  have 
nothing  better  to  recommend  to  thee,  now, 
than  obedience  to  this  inward  monitor." 

A  few  months  after,  when  I  was  severely  ill, 
seeing  his  exercised  countenance  as  he  sat  by 


Rachael  Hicks.  35 

my  bedside,  I  desired  one  of  my  attendants  to 
say  to  him  that  my  mind  was  quiet  and  peace- 
ful as  regarded  the  course  I  had  taken,  and, 
should  my  mortal  life  now  close,  I  saw  noth- 
ing in  my  way  to  rest  and  joy  in  Heaven. 
He  seemed  relieved,  and  I  believe  that  the 
idea  that  there  was  no  salvation  for  us  was  re- 
moved, and  he  often  manifested  that  his  love 
flowed  to  our  members  as  well  as  to  those  of 
his  portion  of  the  Society  of  Friends. 

And  now,  as  I  write  this,  after  years  of  re- 
flection and  observation  of  the  effect  of  pro- 
mulgating opinions  and  doctrines  not  essen- 
tial in  themselves,  especially  on  the  mission  of 
Christ  in  that  prepared  body,  I  am  confirmed 
in  the  belief  that  it  tends  to  unprofitable  dis- 
cussion and  controversy,  and  often  to  aliena- 
tion of  love  for  one  another.  Therefore  these 
should  be  avoided,  taking  in  lieu  thereof  His 
own  testimony  of  Himself,  that  He  came  "  to 
bear  witness  unto  the  Truth,"  testifying  of 
those  eternal  principles  that  are  indispensable 
to  the  happiness  of  mankind  in  this  world  and 
the  world  to  come.  Had  all  the  members  of 
our  Society  lived  in  the  life  and  power  of  the 


36  Memoir  of 

religion  He  taught,  the  opinions  our  worthy 
predecessors  were  educated  to  believe  concern- 
ing the  depravity  of  our  nature  by  Adam's 
transgression,  and  the  propitiation  for  the  sins 
of  mankind  by  the  shedding  of  the  blood  of 
Jesus  on  the  Cross,  would  have  been  left  be- 
hind as  non-essential,  without  controversy  or 
debate. 

Had  love  of  God  abounded  in  the  heart,  it 
would  have  been  seen  that  obedience  to  Him 
in  all  things  was  the  plan  of  salvation  ordained 
by  Him  from  the  foundation  of  the  world,  and 
we  should  then  have  remained  a  united  people 
of  great  influence  in  gathering  the  nations  to 
the  peaceable  kingdom  of  Him  who  was  ush- 
ered into  the  world  with  the  anthem,  "  Glory 
to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace, 
good-will  to  men  !  " 

This  sad  Separation  caused  me  much  mental 
suffering,  many  deep  exercises,  and  a  close 
searching  of  heart,  in  which  no  other  power 
could  have  sustained  me  but  the  invincible  arm 
of  Omnipotence,  which  was  underneath  to 
bear  me  up  and  carry  me  through  many  suc- 
cessive waves  of  affliction.  In  all  these  trials 


Rachael  Hicks.  37 

my  Heavenly  Father  did  not  leave  me,  al- 
though I  had  not  given  up  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry  as  He  required. 

In  1 2th  mo.,  1831,  a  few  months  after  I  had 
made  a  surrender  of  my  will  to  my  Divine 
Master  to  speak  in  the  assemblies  of  the  peo- 
ple, for  which  I  oft  felt  His  peace  to  flow  in 
my  heart  as  a  river,  I  had  another  close  trial  in 
the  removal  by  death  of  my  son,  Gideon  Hicks, 
aged  eight  years.  He  was  a  remarkably  good 
child  ;  at  times  giving  evidence  that  he  felt 
the  sweet  incomes  of  his  Heavenly  Father's 
love  keeping  him  in  innocency  and  mildness  of 
spirit.  At  one  time  earnestly  inviting  his  two 
brothers  and  a  little  girl  to  sit  down  with  him 
in  silence,  he  soon  rose  and  feelingly  said, 
"  You  must  be  good,  and  then  you  will  go  to 
Heaven  ;  but  if  you  are  not  good  you  cannot 
go  to  Heaven,"  which  brought  tears  from  some 
of  their  eyes.  He  loved  to  go  to  religious 
meetings,  to  read  the  Scriptures,  and  also  good 
books ;  in  short,  he  seemed  too  ripe  for 
Heaven  to  dwell  longer  on  earth. 

In  1833,  my  oldest  son,  William  K.  Hicks, 
after  a  short  illness  was  also  removed  from 


38  Memoir  of 

works  to  rewards,  in  the  eighteenth  year  of 
his  age.  For  several  months  previously  he 
appeared  under  religious  exercise  of  mind,  and 
when  taken  ill  was  unwilling  to  have  a  physi- 
cian called,  because  he  was  impressed  with  the 
belief  that  he  would  not  recover,  seeing  death 
and  eternity  clearly  before  him.  His  disease 
being  inflammation  of  the  brain,  he  was  mostly 
delirious,  yet  at  lucid  intervals  he  spoke  freely 
of  the  state  of  his  mind. 

At  one  time  he  desired  all  to  leave  the  room 
but  myself,  and  told  me  that  at  times  when  in 
health  he  had  had  doubts  of  the  immortality 
of  the  soul,  and  of  future  rewards  and  punish- 
ments; but  now  he  said,  "  I  have  no  doubts  ; 
I  see  clearly  there  is  a  state  of  peace  and  joy 
for  the  good,  and  misery  for  the  wicked."  He 
felt  it  required  of  him  to  acknowledge  the 
errors  of  his  life,  which  had  been  few  and  small, 
except  speaking  too  hastily,  which  was  his 
greatest  difficulty ;  he  had  endeavored  to  over- 
come it,  he  said,  and  hoped  now  to  be  for- 
given. He  had  felt  the  loss  of  his  father  to  be 
a  great  disadvantage  to  him.  In  laboring  on 
a  farm,  he  unavoidably  had  to  mingle  with 


Rachael  Hicks.  39 

unprofitable  company,  and  earnestly  and  re- 
peatedly enjoined  it  upon  me  to  keep  his  little 
brother,  whom  he  was  now  leaving,  away  from 
such  hurtful  examples.  Having  done  all  that 
he  felt  was  required,  his  mind  was  peaceful ; 
and  seeing  nothing  in  his  way  to  rest  and  joy 
in  Heaven,  he  became  more  than  willing  to 
die,  saying,  "  I  would  rather  go  now.  If  I 
recover  I  may  be  overcome  by  temptation, 
and  never  so  well  prepared  as  I  am  now." 

These  successive  bereavements,  and  the 
slender  constitution  of  my  only  surviving  child, 
seemed  at  times  heavier  than  I  could  bear; 
but  the  evidence  given  that  they  had  passed 
from  a  world  of  trial  to  a  state  of  never-ending 
felicity  reconciled  me  to  my  lot. 


4O  Memoir  of 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1833    TO     1839. 

The  Acknowledgment  of  her  Gift  in  the  Ministry — Re- 
ligious Visit  to  Nine  Partners  and  Stanford  Quarterly 
Meetings  as  Companion  to  Phebe  I.  Merritt — Attends 
the  Yearly  Meeting  of  Philadelphia  as  Companion  to 
Sarah  Hicks — Obtains  a  Minute  to  attend  the  Quarterly 
Meetings  of  Stanford  and  Duanesburgh  and  appoint  some 
Meetings — Minute  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meetings  of 
Genesee,  Ohio,  and  Indiana,  and  Subordinate  Meetings — 
Incidents  of  the  Journey. 

IN  1833,  the  meetings  having  charge  of  these 
matters  recommended  me  as  a  minister ;  and 
in  1836,  I  felt  it  a  requisition  of  my  Divine 
Master  to  accompany  that  devoted  servant  of 
the  Lord,  Phebe  I.  Merritt,  in  attending  the 
Quarterly  Meetings  of  Nine  Partners  and  Stan- 
ford, and  appointing  some  meetings  within 
their  limits — our  respective  Monthly  Meetings 
having  given  each  of  us  a  minute  of  approba- 
tion. 

In  the  prosecution  of  the  visit  an  incident 


Rachael  Hicks.  41 

occurred  which  I  will  relate  as  evidencing  the 
propriety  of  this  rule  of  our  discipline.  A 
meeting  having  been  appointed  for  us  at  Hyde 
Park,  where  no  Friends'  meeting  was  held,  a 
prominent  man  of  the  place,  who  felt  an  inter- 
est in  the  purposes  for  which  the  house  was 
used  which  had  been  provided  for  us,  met  us 
before  we  went  in,  and  asked  us  if  we  had  any 
documents  to  show  that  we  were  approved  at 
home  ;  adding,  "  There  are  so  many  renegades 
in  this  day,  we  do  not  like  any  to  go  into  our 
house  but  ordained  ministers."  We  told  him 
our  certificates  were  in  our  trunks,  some  dis- 
tance off.  A  man  Friend  whom  he  knew  as- 
sured him  that  he  had  heard  them  read  ;  this 
satisfied  him,  and  he  allowed  us  to  go  into  the 
house.  The  meeting  was  a  satisfactory  one, 
Phebe  I.  Merritt  having  most  of  the  labor  to 
perform.  Some  months -after  I  accompanied 
the  same  dear  Friend  in  a  visit  to  the  families 
of  New  York  Monthly  Meeting,  and  in  ap- 
pointing some  meetings  in  that  city,  in  parts 
of  it  where  no  Friends'  meetings  were  held. 

On  another  occasion  during  this  service  we 
were   interrogated  upon  a  different    point.     A 


42  Memoir  of 

house  having  been  obtained  for  a  meeting  that 
was  owned  or  occupied  by  Jews,  one  of  them 
came  to  us  with  evident  concern  about  our 
going  in,  saying,  "  There  is  but  one  God  wor- 
shiped in  this  house."  I  replied  on  our  be- 
half, "  We  worship  the  God  that  Abraham, 
Isaac,  and  Jacob  worshiped,  and  none  other." 
This  satisfied  him,  and  we  went  in,  and  the 
people  appeared  satisfied.  I  felt  my  heart  to 
overflow  with  love  and  solicitude  for  the  de- 
scendants of  these  faithful  patriarchs. 

In  1837,  in  company  with  my  beloved  friend 
Sarah  Hicks,  I  attended  the  Yearly  Meeting  in 
Philadelphia.  In  all  these  visits  I  felt  I  was 
only  a  companion  to  those  who  had  been  to  me, 
and  many  others,  nursing  Mothers  in  Israel. 
The  weight  of  concern  rested  mostly  on  them, 
yet  I  felt  it  not  a  light  thing  to  accompany 
them,  although  they  each  requested  it,  and  I 
believed  my  Heavenly  Father  required  it  of  me. 
I  now  look  back  with  great  satisfaction  that  I 
gave  up  to  the  service,  if  in  any  degree  I  was  an 
armor-bearer  in  the  winding  up  of  their  labors 
in  the  evening  of  life — for  these  visits  were 
nearly  their  last  labors  from  home. 


Rachael  Hicks.  43 

When  I  felt  the  command  to  go  out  on  my 
own  concern,  and  appoint  meetings,  and  invite 
the  people  to  those  that  came  in  course,  the 
weight  and  responsibility  resting  upon  me  was 
indeed  heavy ;  and  I  felt  a  secret  fear  lest, 
through  unwatchfulness,  or  unfaithfulness,  I 
might  bring  dishonor  upon  the  meetings  set- 
ting me  at  liberty ;  or  on  the  cause  of  righteous- 
ness, which  I  felt  concerned  to  promote.  The 
same  spirit  of  departure  from  faith  in,  and  obe- 
dience to,  the  Divine  principle  in  the  soul, 
which  was  the  root  and  ground-work  of  the  sad 
Separation  in  1828,  was  still  at  work  in  the 
minds  of  many  bearing  our  name. 

It  was  bringing  forth  its  own  legitimate  fruits 
in  various  ways,  and  made  hard  labor  and  deep 
exercise  for  the  poor  servants,  who  had  no  confi- 
dence in,  or  dependence  upon,  their  own  human 
wisdom,  or  acquired  knowledge  to  enable  them 
to  perform  their  duty  to  their  Creator  and  to 
one  another.  I  earnestly  desired  to  move  in 
Divine  appointment,  so  as  to  give  no  occasion 
for  stirring  up  controversies  that  tend  to  re- 
tard, rather  than  promote,  the  spreading  of  the 
principles  of  the  Christian  religion. 


44  Memoir  of 

Seeing  no  other  way  to  enjoy  that  peace 
of  mind  which  the  world  can  neither  give  nor 
take  from  us,  than  to  yield  my  own  will,  and 
follow  my  Divine  Master  whithersoever  He  saw 
meet  to  lead  me,  often  in  great  weakness  and 
an  humbling  sense  of  my  own  insufficiency  have 
I  testified  of  the  all-sufficiency  of  the  "  Grace 
of  God  "  to  lead  into  all  righteousness  and  pre- 
serve from  all  error. 

As  I  have  already  stated,  I  passed  twenty 
years  in  the  omission  of  a  known  duty — that  of 
rising  and  addressing  gathered  assemblies  met 
to  worship  the  Most  High.  My  day's  work 
was  thus  delayed,  and  when  a  full  surrender  of 
my  will  through  much  suffering  was  made,  and 
the  loving  kindness  of  my  Heavenly  Father  still 
extended,  in  obedience  to  the  requirings  of 
His  will,  I  was  frequently  drawn  in  spirit  to 
visit  the  meetings  and  Friends  throughout  our 
Society  as  the  following  memoranda  will  show  : 

In  7th  mo.,  1837,  I  laid  before  our  Monthly 
Meeting  a  concern  to  attend  the  Quarterly 
Meetings  of  Stanford  and  Duanesburgh,  to  visit 
some  families,  and  appoint  meetings  as  way 
opened.  It  gave  me  a  minute  which  I  returned 


Rachael  Hicks.  45 

in  loth  month,  then  opening  a  concern  to  at- 
tend Baltimore  Yearly  Meeting  and  appoint 
some  meetings  within  its  compass.  For  this 
the  Monthly  Meeting  also  gave  me  a  minute 
which  I  returned  in  the  nth  month,  with 
the  information  that  the  visit  had  been  per- 
formed. 

Having  obtained  a  minute  of  our  Monthly 
Meeting  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meetings  of  Gen- 
esee,  Ohio,  and  Indiana,  and  the  meetings  com_ 
posing  them,  I  started  on  my  journey  thither 
on  the  1st  of  6th  mo.,  1838,  in  company  with 
my  kind  friends  William  Willets,  Maria  Farring- 
ton,  and  my  son  Abraham.  After  the  close  of 
our  Yearly  Meeting,  and  a  solemn  opportunity 
with  a  large  number  of  Friends,  at  the  resi- 
dence of  Amos  Willet,  in  which  the  magnitude 
of  the  undertaking,  the  perils  that  might  at- 
tend, the  uncertainty  of  returning,  were  deeply 
felt,  and  Divine  guidance  and  protection  sought 
after  and  recommended,  we  left  the  city  of 
New  York  by  boat  for  Albany,  and  thence 
traveled  by  public  conveyances  to  Skaneateles, 
arriving  there  in  about  two  days.  From  this 
place  my  cousin,  Simeon  Loines,  took  us  to 


46  Memoir  of 

Farmington,  where  we  attended  Genesee  Year- 
ly Meeting. 

After  its  close  we  went  to  Michigan,  visited 
meetings  there,  and  then  went  to  Toledo  to 
take  passage  on  Lake  Erie  for  Cleveland, 
Ohio.  Soon  after  we  entered  the  steamboat 
we  were  informed  that  the  night  previous  a 
sad  accident  had  occurred  on  the  lake,  a  boat 
was  burnt  and  many  lives  were  lost.  This 
brought  a  deep  exercise  over  my  mind,  and 
caused  a  close  investigation  of  the  course  I 
was  pursuing,  as  to  whether  I  was  justified 
in  being  the  means  of  exposing  my  com- 
panions to  danger,  etc.  Feeling  a  renewed 
sense  that  I  was  not  there  in  my  own  will,  but 
in  accordance  with  what  I  believed  in  sincerity 
to  be  the  will  of  my  Heavenly  Father,  and  in 
His  care  and  keeping,  I  felt  safe  in  pursuing 
the  journey,  as  to  whatever  might  come  upon 
us,  in  the  outward.  Having  full  confidence  in 
His  superintending  care  over  all  that  He  has 
made,  especially  His  accountable  creature 
man,  I  believe  that  He  will  not  permit  any- 
thing to  come  upon  us  that  is  not  designed  for 
our  best  interest,  although  in  our  human  rea- 


Rachael  Hicks.  47 

soningwe  may  not  be  able  to  see  it.  Notwith- 
standing my  firm  trust  in  an  over-ruling  Provi- 
dence, my  natural  feelings  were  roused  when  I 
heard  the  first  motion  of  the  machinery  taking 
us  out  on  the  lake;  but  through  His  loving 
kindness  I  kept  calm  and  quiet,  and  we  arrived 
safely  at  our  destined  port  among  our  friends 
the  next  day.  After  visiting  several  meetings 
of  Friends  within  the  compass  of  Ohio  Yearly 
Meeting,  I  was  taken  sick  at  a  Friend's  house, 
near  New  Lisbon,  and  confined  there  nearly 
three  weeks.  Here  again  my  faith  and  alle- 
giance to  my  Creator  were  tried,  but  through 
all  He  was  pleased  to  say,  "  Peace,  be  still," 
and  a  precious  calm  was  experienced.  Blessed 
be  His  name,  saith  my  spirit  and  all  within  me 
capable  of  feeling. 

After  leaving  Cleveland,  my  companion  Wil- 
liam Willets  purchased  for  us  a  plain  but  com- 
fortable carriage  and  team  of  horses,  with  which, 
when  I  was  sufficiently  recovered,  we  traveled 
to  Mount  Pleasant.  We  arrived  there  on  Sec- 
ond day  evening,  and  attended  the  remainder 
of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  which  had  commenced 
the  Seventh  day  previous.  Here  our  kind  and 


48  Memoir  of 

very  useful  companion  William  Willets  left  us ; 
and  our  beloved  friend  James  C.  Haviland  met 
us,  arrd  remained  with  us  to  the  end  of  the 
journey. 

At  the  close  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  after 
finishing  our  visit  to  all  the  meetings  compos- 
ing it,  we  went  to  Waynesville  and  attended 
Indiana  Yearly  Meeting.  At  its  close  we  vis- 
ited all  the  meetings  constituting  it,  except 
one,  and  returned  home  in  the  I2th  month,  hav- 
ing been  absent  about  seven  months.  I  did 
not  keep  an  account  of  the  number  of  meetings 
we  attended,  nor  of  the  miles  we  had  traveled, 
fearing  the  creature  might  be  tempted  to  boast. 
Feeling  my  own  weakness  and  inability,  I  was 
often  led  to  wonder  and  query  "Why  is  it  that 
one  so  little  in  every  sense  of  the  word  as  I 
feel  myself  to  be,  should  be  required  to  travel 
so  much  and  so  far  abroad?"  but  the  inspired 
writer  bore  the  testimony,  "  Not  many  wise 
men  after  the  flesh,  not  many  mighty,"  etc.,  "  are 
called  ;  "  "  and  God  hath  chosen  the  weak  things 
of  the  world  to  confound  the  things  which  are 
mighty." 

Several  times  in  the  course  of  this  journey, 


Rachael  Hicks.  49 

as  I  have  said,  my  faith  and  trust  in  the  super- 
intending care  of  Providence  were  closely 
proved.  One  evening,  after  crossing  a  bridge 
in  the  darkness  of  night,  having  had  our  fears 
and  doubts  of  its  being  safe  to  do  so,  but  arriv- 
ing safely  at  the  door  of  a  hotel  beyond  it,  we 
were  told  we  could  have  lodgings  there  if  we 
would  all  take  one  room  with  the  mistress  of 
the  house.  We  consented  to  these  terms  be- 
cause it  seemed  not  safe  to  go  further. 

At  the  supper-table  a  large  number  of  trav- 
elers were  seated,  some  of  them  Southern  men. 
Their  conversation  was  mostly  about  the 
"Yankees,"  toward  whom  they  appeared  to 
feel  a  deep  and  settled  hatred.  When  we  arose 
from  the  table,  our  companion,  James  C.  Havi- 
land,  came  to  Maria  Farrington  and  myself, 
and  gave  us  an  earnest  caution  not  to  let  any 
one  there  know  that  we  came  from  beyond 
the  Alleghany  Mountains,  as  the  Southerners 
looked  upon  all  such  as  "  Yankees,"  and  we 
would  not  be  safe  in  that  house.  Under  these 
feelings  we  retired  to  our  room,  and,  after  ly- 
ing some  time  upon  our  pillows,  instead  of  the 
mistress  of  the  house,  the  man  himself  came  in 

4 


50  Memoir  of 

and  went  to  bed.  After  a  short  time  he  arose 
and  searched  on  the  mantel  for  I  knew  not 
what.  The  thought  occurred  to  me,  he  may  be 
looking  for  some  instrument  to  take  our  lives; 
but  what  can  I  do  to  save  us  but  trust  in 
Providential  protection?  In  this  feeling  and 
confidence  I  lay  still  and  quiet.  After  a  while 
the  man  found  a  key,  wound  up  the  clock,  and 
lay  down  again  in  the  room.  Although  thank- 
fulness filled  my  heart,  I  was  not  sensible  of 
sleeping  one  moment  that  night. 

The  next  day  we  traveled  on  toward  Terre 
Haute,  but,  the  roads  being  muddy,  we  did 
not  reach  our  resting-place  until  late  in  the 
evening.  It  was  so  dark,  and  being  through 
forests  on  both  sides,  we  could  not  see  the 
road,  nor  did  we  know  what  danger  our  horses 
might  step  into  the  next  moment.  Silently 
and  quietly  trusting  in  Him  who  thus  far  had 
preserved  us,  we  arrived  safely  at  a  public- 
house,  where  my  companion  and  myself  were 
put  into  a  room  where  there  were  several 
doors  without  lock  or  fastening,  two  outside 
doors,  and  one  opening  into  the  bar-room. 
My  trust  being  in  an  Omnipotent  Protector  I 


Rachael  Hicks.  51 

slept  well,  and,  in  the  morning,  thankfully 
looking  round  and  seeing  all  our  things  safe. 
I  said  in  my  heart,  "  What  would  become  of 
me  if  I  did  not  confide  in  a  Supreme  Being 
who  is  all  goodness,  power,  and  love?" 

Other  similar  circumstances  I  might  relate, 
but  the  foregoing  are  sufficient  to  show  my 
faith  in  Him  who  has  never  failed  to  keep,  as  in 
the  hollow  of  His  hand,  all  those  who  have 
looked  to  Him  in  all  ages  of  the  world. 
Blessed,  forever  blessed,  be  His  holy  name ! 
It  was  not  only  outwardly,  but  spiritually,  that 
He  strengthened  us.  Sometimes  in  riding  to 
the  meeting-house,  when  information  had  been 
given  that  we  were  to  be  there,  and  seeing  a 
larger  collection  of  people  than  I  expected, 
I  felt  ready  to  faint  and  sink  in  despair,  sup- 
posing that  they  were  looking  for  words,  and  I 
felt  poor  and  empty,  and  had  nothing  for  them. 
But  as  I  looked  to  Him  who  I  believed  had 
called  me,  He  blessed  the  little  found  in  their 
midst,  comparable  to  the  "  five  barley  loaves  " 
formerly,  and  the  people  were  not,  in  any  in- 
stance, sent  away  without  being  invited  to  at- 
tend to  the  "  one  thing  needful,"  the  "  Spirit  of 


52  Memoir  of 

Truth  "  in  their  own  souls.  Great  want  of  Di- 
vine life  was  felt  in  these  meetings ;  but  in 
nearly  all  of  them  there  were  livingly  con- 
cerned members,  around  whom  others  gath- 
ered. Thus  a  remnant  has  been  saved  amid 
the  falling  away  of  too  many  from  the  foun- 
dation upon  which  the  Church  of  Christ  is  built 
and  ever  stands. 

One  more  circumstance  I  feel  most  easy  to 
record.  When  we  had  finished  visiting  all  the 
meetings  in  those  Western  States,  and  were 
about  to  return  home — our  horses  having  sev- 
eral times  run  away,  and  our  carriage  often 
having  to  be  repaired,  though  in  great  mercy 
not  one  of  us  had  been  injured — my  mind  was 
brought  under  great  exercise.  We  had  moun- 
tains to  cross  over  and  bad  roads  still  to  en- 
counter ;  but  looking  to  the  one  Source  of  con- 
solation, my  Father  in  Heaven,  the  language 
ere  long  was  sounded  in  the  ear  of  my  soul, 
"  Journey  homeward  and  thy  life  shall  be  given 
thee,  and  the  lives  of  those  that  are  with  thee." 

Thus  all  fear  was  taken  from  me,  and  in 
sweet  peace  of  mind  we  all  arrived  safely  home 
at  our  several  dwelling-places. 


Rachael  Hicks  53 

As  a  warning  to  some  who  may  read  this 
when  I  shall  have  passed  away,  I  will  record 
my  unwillingness,  when  at  Blue  River,  to  give 
up  to  visit  the  families  of  Friends  there.  It 
was  late  in  the  season,  and  I  had  my  reason- 
ings in  favor  of  setting  off  for  home.  When 
we  were  ready  to  step  into  the  carriage,  our 
horses  took  fright  and  ran  away,  breaking  our 
carriage  so  that  several  days  were  required  to 
repair  it.  How  was  I  struck  with  a  sense  of 
my  disobedience!  And,  after  all,  I  must  enter 
upon  that  arduous  labor!  I  did  so,  and  then 
peacefully  journeyed  homeward.  Thus  I 
learned,  time  after  time,  how  much  more  we 
lose  than  gain  by  disobedience. 


54  Memoir  of 


CHAPTER  V. 
1839  T0 


Obtains  a  Minute  to  attend  the  Quarterly  Meetings  of  Pur- 
chase and  Shrewsbury  and  Rahway,  and  the  Meetings  com- 
posing them  —  Minutes  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meetings  of 
Genesee,  Philadelphia,  Baltimore,  Ohio,  Indiana,  and  all 
the  Meetings  constituting  them,  and  also  for  Service  in  her 
own  Yearly  Meeting. 

IN  /th  mo.,  1839,  I  applied  for  and  received 
from  our  Monthly  Meeting  a  minute  to  visit 
the  Quarterly  Meetings  of  Purchase,  Shrews- 
bury, and  Rahway,  and  the  meetings  compos- 
ing them. 

In  1840,  having  for  my  companions  William 
Willets  and  Maria  Farrington,  also  my  son 
Abraham,  I  attended  Genesee  Yearly  Meeting 
and  all  the  meetings  composing  it.  After  ac- 
complishing the  visit  we  journeyed  to  King- 
ston, Canada,  to  take  passage  for  the  United 
States.  Here  I  felt  it  a  duty  to  my  Lord  and 
Master  to  appoint  a  meeting,  and  the  way 


Rachael  Hicks.  55 

opened  for  it.  The  next  morning,  walking  to 
the  boat,  we  found  the  wind  blowing,  and  the 
water  very  rough ;  my  son  stepped  up  to  me, 
and  said,  "  Mother,  does  thee  feel  easy  to  go 
out  on  the  river  and  lake,  when  the  wind  is  so 
high?  "  I  replied,  "  Yes,  my  son,  as  I  resigned 
my  will  to  my  Maker,  to  have  the  meeting  last 
evening,  I  feel  easy  to  go."  We  went  on  the 
open  boat.  William  Willets  had  to  stand  by 
our  horses  to  keep  them  quiet,  and  the  other 
three  of  us  sat  close  together  in  solemn  silence, 
looking  at  the  waves  which  dashed  in  the  boat, 
keeping  a  man  there  bailing  the  water  out, 
while  another  was  at  the  mast  with  an  axe  in 
his  hand  ready  to  cut  it  down  if  a  gale — which 
they  thought  was  coming — should  strike  us. 
It  passed  by,  and  we  through  it  all  were  fa- 
vored with  calmness  and  quietude  of  mind, 
trusting  in  Him  who  is  able  to  deliver  to  the 
very  uttermost  all  those  who  rely  upon  Him. 
We  arrived  safely  at  our  desired  port,  and  in 
due  time  at  our  own  homes,  in  that  peace  of 
mind  the  world  can  neither  give  nor  take 
away. 

And  now,  after  a  number  of  revolving  years, 


56  Memoir  of 

I  have  to  say,  that  these,  my  dear  compan- 
ions and  faithful  armor-bearers — together  with 
James  C.  Haviland,  very  lately — have  all  passed 
away  from  this  lower  world,  I  trust  to  rest  and 
joy  in  Heaven.  I  am  left  a  little  longer,  and  my 
desires  are  strong,  and  prayers  are  often  put 
up  to  Him  who  has  promised,  "Ask,  and  ye 
shall  receive,"  that  I  .may  hold  out  to  the  end 
in  faithful  obedience,  so  as  to  be  permitted  to 
join  these,  and  the  host  of  the  redeemed  spir- 
its in  Heaven,  there  to  ascribe  praises  and  hal- 
lelujahs to  Him  who  is  everlastingly  worthy ! 

In  1841,  I  attended  Philadelphia  Yearly 
Meeting,  and  in  9th  month  of  the  same  year 
appointed  meetings  in  several  places  on  Long 
Island  remote  from  the  established  meetings 
of  Friends.  1st  mo.,  1842,  attended  some  of 
the  Quarterly  Meetings  in  Philadelphia  Yearly 
Meeting. 

4th  mo.,  1842,  visited  most  of  the  meetings 
composing  Philadelphia  and  Baltimore  Yearly 
Meetings. 

In  1843,  attended  the  Yearly  Meeting  of 
Baltimore,  and  the  meetings  composing  it, 
my  kind  and  faithful  friends  Silas  and  Mary 


Rachael  Hicks.  57 

Elizabeth    Carle    being   my   companions   and 
helpers. 

1 844,  attended    Genesee    Yearly    Meeting, 
and  a  few  meetings   within   our  own   Yearly 
Meeting.     In  I2th  mo.,  1844, 1  obtained  a  min- 
ute of  our  Monthly  Meeting  to  visit  some  of 
the  families  of  Friends  and  Friendly  people  in 
Westbury  Quarterly  Meeting. 

1845,  I    visited    some    of    the   families    of 
Friends  and   Friendly  people   in    New   York, 
Westbury,  and  Jericho  Monthly  Meetings. 

1846,  attended  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  Phila- 
delphia.    In  the  same  year  attended'the  Quar- 
terly Meetings  of  Nine  Partners  and  Stanford, 
and  appointed  a  few  meetings  within  their  limits. 

In  1847,  visited  the  families  of  Flushing 
Monthly  Meeting,  and  a  few  within  the  limits 
of  Westbury  Monthly  Meeting ;  and  attended 
the  Yearly  Meetings  of  Philadelphia  and  Bal- 
timore, and  some  of  the  Quarterly  and  other 
Meetings  within  their  limits. 

In  1849,  visited  the  Quarterly  and  Monthly 
Meetings,  and  appointed  some  meetings  within 
the  compass  of  Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting. 

As  I  have  already  stated,  when  my  own  will 


58  Memoir  of 

was  fully  given  up  to  the  will  of  my  Heavenly 
Father,  I  was  frequently  drawn  to  visit  Friends 
in  various  places,  and  on  opening  my  concern 
to  our  Monthly  Meeting,  I  believe  that  they 
gave  me  every  time,  in  sympathy  and  unity,  a 
minute  or  certificate,  which  when  necessary  the 
Quarterly  Meeting  endorsed.  All  of  these,  in 
due  season,  I  returned,  with  the  information 
that  the  visits  had  been  performed  to  the  re- 
lief and  peace  of  my  mind,  and  I  may  here  add, 
through  the  goodness  and  loving-kindness  of 
my  Heavenly  Father;  therefore  all  praise  and 
thanksgiving  are  due  to  Him.  I  felt  my  own 
weakness  and  inability  to  do  any  good  word  or 
work  without  Divine  aid  and  qualification,  and 
as  I  relied  upon  Him,  He  in  mercy  fulfilled 
the  promise,  "Ask,  and  ye  shall  receive."  He 
is  a  present  helper  in  the  needful  time,  my 
soul  knoweth  by  experience.  Blessed,  forever 
blessed,  be  His  name !  saith  all  within  me  ca- 
pable of  feeling. 

In  1852,  I  felt  drawn  in  spirit  to  attend  the 
Yearly  Meetings  of  Ohio  and  Indiana  and  some 
of  the  remote  meetings  belonging  to  them,  and 
also  to  visit  the  few  Friends  in  Michigan.  Hav- 


Rachael  Hicks.  59 

ing  often  renewed  my  covenant  with  my  God 
to  follow  Him  whithersoever  He  should  lead 
me,  the  spirit  at  this  time  was  willing  but  the 
flesh  was  weak,  as  the  health  of  my  son,  and 
only  surviving  child,  was  evidently  declining, 
Although  I  was  able  to  travel  short  distances, 
the  prospect  of  leaving  him  for  a  longer  period 
brought  a  conflict  of  mind  which  seemed 
greater  and  heavier  than  I  could  bear.  But 
He  who  sees  the  heart  condescended  to  give 
me  strength  to  resign  my  all  to  Him,  and  to 
confide  to  His  superintending  care  the  tender 
plant  that  was  dearer  to  me  than  my  own  life. 
This  dear  son  in  1838  accompanied  me  and 
my  companions  in  a  visit  to  all  the  meetings 
composing  these  two  Yearly  Meetings,  and  al- 
though then  so  young  (being  in  his  fourteenth 
year),  he  was  often  to  me  a  wise  counselor. 
When  circumstances  occurred  calculated  to 
disturb  my  unstable  nature,  his  uniform  lan- 
guage was,  "  Be  still.  Keep  in  the  quiet." 
He  ever  after  entered  into  all  my  concerns, 
and  on  this  present  trying  occasion  encour- 
aged me  to  faithful  obedience  to  the  requisi- 
tions of  my  Divine  Father. 


60  Memoir  of 

Being  enabled  to  say,  "  Thy  will  be  done," 
and  having  obtained  certificates  of  concurrence 
from  our  Monthly  and  Quarterly  Meetings,  I 
left  home  in  8th  month,  in  company  with  my 
kind  and  sympathizing  friends  Amos  and  Caro- 
line Willets.  We  visited  Friends  in  Michigan, 
and  attended  the  two  Yearly  Meetings  of  Ohio 
and  Indiana,  and  several  small  meetings  north 
of  Richmond,  as  far  as  Laporte,  and  also  those 
composing  Blue  River  Quarterly  Meeting,  one 
of  which  was  in  the  State  of  Illinois. 

In  neighborhoods  where  a  few  Friends  re- 
side, meetings  were  also  appointed,  and  being 
remote  from  each  other,  this  occasioned  much 
traveling ;  and  the  roads  being  very  bad,  it  re- 
quired great  faith  to  hold  on  our  way.  Express- 
ing my  feelings  in  a  letter  to  my  son,  he  wrote 
in  reply,  "  By  faith  Noah  built  the  ark,  and 
Paul  said  he  had  '  fought  the  good  fight,  and 
kept  the  faith/  "  adding,  "  I  trust  you  are  all  in 
your  right  places.  Do  your  Master's  work  fear- 
lessly. Although  you  may  meet  with  the  great 
of  the  earth,  fear  them  not,  for  their  greatness 
o  ften  consists  more  in  name  than  in  reality." 
A  word  of  encouragement  from  him  whom  I 


Rachael  Hicks.  61 

had  left,  as  to  the  outward,  lonely  at  home,  was 
like  a  brook  by  the  way,  as  various  discourage- 
ments pressed  heavily  at  times  on  my  deeply- 
exercised  mind.  Through  all,  I  dared  not  turn 
back,  fully  believing  that  such  were  not  fit  for 
the  Kingdom  of  Heaven.  My  will  was  given 
up  to  go  still  further  West,  but  my  companions 
not  sharing  the  concern,  I  felt  acquitted  in  the 
Divine  sight,  and  the  will  was  taken  for  the 
deed ;  here  I  saw  that  this  order  of  our  Society 
was  founded  in  the  wisdom  of  Him  who  is  a 
God  of  order.  In  an  organized  body  there 
must  be  condescension  to  the  body,  that  unity 
and  harmony  may  be  preserved. 

Now  I  felt  easy  to  turn  my  face  homeward, 
and  soon  after  learned  that  our  friends  Nicholas 
and  Margaret  Brown  had  visited  those  remote 
settlements  of  Friends,  and  a  Monthly  Meeting 
one  hundred  miles  from  one  we  had  attended, 
but  had  not  been  to  those  which  we  visited. 
So  our  good  Master  favored  us  as  laborers, 
"  each  over  against  his  own  house,"  to  do  all 
we  could  to  rebuild  the  walls  of  our  Jerusalem, 
which,  in  the  minds  of  many,  appear  to  be 
broken  down.  In  various  places  we  had  to  see 


62  Memoir  of 

and  mourn  over  the  desolating  effects  of  a 
spirit  to  lay  waste  the  order  and  discipline  of 
our  Society,  in  those  who,  leaning  to  their 
own  understanding  and  human  reason,  in- 
troduce and  advocate  sentiments  tending  to 
undermine  our  faith  in  the  teachings  of  the 
Holy  Spirit.  Although  at  times  we  felt  as 
the  prophet  did  when  he  said,  "  Israel  hath 
forsaken  Thy  covenant  and  thrown  down 
Thine  altars;"  yet,  in  many  places,  we  met 
those  who  had  not  bowed  to  the  gods  of  this 
world,  but  were  worshiping  Him  in  whom 
"we  live,  and  move,  and  have  our  being." 
With  these  we  had  seasons  of  refreshment 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord. 

In  our  journey  from  Richmond  until  we  re- 
turned there,  our  kind  friend  Cornelius  Ratcliff 
accompanied  us;  without  his  wise  counsel  and 
cheerful  aid  we  doubted  whether  we  could 
have  accomplished  the  visit.  I  had  gratefully 
to  acknowledge  that  He  who  sends  forth  'His 
little  dependent  children,  provides  them  with 
helpers.  For  these  the  aspiration  of  my  soul 
oft  has  been,  that  they  may  have  an  abundant 
reward. 


Rachael  Hicks.  63 

We  returned  home  after  an  absence  of  three 
months,  and  finding  my  son  in  about  the  same 
state  of  health  as  when  I  left  him,  I  felt  the 
tribute  of  praise  and  thanksgiving  to  ascend  to 
his  and  my  Caretaker  and  Protector. 


64  Memoir  of 


CHAPTER  VI. 

1852  TO    1856. 

Illness  and  Death  of  her  Son  Abraham — Tribute  to  his  Worth 
— Exercises  in  Prospect  of  further  Labor — Obtains  a  Min- 
ute to  attend  all  the  Meetings  constituting  New  York 
Yearly  Meeting — Attends  Baltimore  Yearly  Meeting  and 
the  Meetings  constituting  it — Reflections  upon  the  System 
of  Slavery. 

FOR  two  years  after  my  return  from  this 
journey  I  was  released  by  my  Heavenly  Fa- 
ther from  the  concern  of  traveling  abroad,  be- 
ing in  matchless  condescension  and  goodness 
permitted  to  remain  mostly  at  home,  and  de- 
vote my  time  and  attention  to  my  feeble  son. 
His  weakness  of  body  gradually  increased  until 
the  first  of  Eleventh  month,  1854,  when  he 
quietly  and  sweetly  departed  this  life,  in  the 
twenty-ninth  year  of  his  age,  and,  I  fully  be- 
lieve, entered  into  that  glorious  rest  prepared 
for  the  righteous,  of  which  he  had  a  foretaste, 
and  at  seasons  a  clear  view,  whilst  his  physical 


Rachel  Hicks.  65 

strength  was  gradually  waning.  Whilst  I  be- 
lieve the  change  to  him  is  "  great  gain,"  the 
loss  to  me  I  feel  to  be  incalculable.  At  his 
funeral  it  was  said  of  him  by  a  dear  friend, 
"  Wisdom  is  gray  hair  unto  man,  and  an  un- 
spotted life  is  old  age."  This  was  truly  ap- 
plicable, as,  by  an  early  dedication  to  his  Cre- 
ator, he  witnessed  an  overcoming  of  human 
nature,  so  as  to  be  preserved  in  an  even,  con- 
sistent deportment,  not  excelled  by  many  in 
more  advanced  years.  I  had  long  looked  to 
him  as  my  earthly  counselor  and  caretaker, 
and,  as  I  had  for  years  been  bereaved  of  all  my 
family  besides,  every  fibre  of  my  heart  en- 
twined around  him  in  the  strong  affection  of  a 
mother.  Through  all  the  years  of  his  decline 
I  had  not  dared  to  ask  for  the  lengthening  out 
of  his  life  or  the  restoration  of  his  health,  for 
I  felt  that  He  who  is  all  power,  and  whose 
wisdom  is  infinite,  knew  what  was  best  for  him 
and  for  me. 

To  give  him  up  was  severing  the  tenderest 
tie  in  life,  and  removing  my  last  outward  prop 
and  staff;  yet,  through  mercy  and  goodness 
infinite,  I  was  enabled  often  to  say,  in  the 


66  Memoir  of 

language  of  the  Son  and  sent  of  God,  "  Oh, 
my  Father,  if  this  cup  may  not  pass  away 
from  me  except  I  drink  it,  Thy  will  be 
done !"  Although  I  am  thus  left  sad  and  soli- 
tary, my  rejoicing  is  that  I  have  a  family  in 
Heaven,  and  I  daily  feel  that  if  am  permitted 
to  join  them  there,  with  the  innumerable  as- 
sembly of  redeemed  spirits,  I  must  be  faith- 
fully obedient  to  Him  whose  wisdom  is  un- 
searchable. When  He  makes  requisitions  of 
duty,  I  find,  by  my  own  experience,  that  finite 
man  is  prone  to  call  them  in  question. 

After  the  death  of  my  son  *  the  concern  to 
visit  Friends  in  various  places  came  again 
weightily  upon  me,  and  with  it  the  query 
arose,  Of  what  avail  are  all  these  labors  ? 
"  Who  hath  believed  our  report,  and  to  whom 
hath  the  arm  of  the  Lord  been  revealed  " 
through  me?  As  an  instrument  I  am  poor  and 
frail,  and  the  least  of  all  the  flock  of  the  com- 
panions of  Christ.  These  reasonings,  being  of 
the  creature,  were  all  silenced  before  the  Maj- 
esty on  High,  when  He  caused  His  glory,  in 


*  There  having  been  no  provision  for  her  in  her  father's 
will,  by  the  death  of  this  son  the  property  reverted  to  her. 


Rachael  Hicks.  67 

part,  to  pass  before  me,  and  the  still  small 
voice  to  say,  " '  What  doest  thou  here  ?'  Who 
art  thou,  that  thou  shouldst  sit  in  judgment 
against  Omnipotence?  Thou  art  the  work- 
manship of  His  hands;  it  is  His  right  to  rule 
and  direct."  Then  all  within  me  bowed  rev- 
erently, saying,  "  Thy  will  be  done." 

In  the  summers  of  1855  and  1856  I  visited, 
with  the  approbation  of  our  Monthly  Meeting, 
as  expressed  in  a  minute  granted  by  it,  all  the 
meetings  belonging  to  our  Yearly  Meeting.  In 
many  places  they  were  very  small,  and  in  some 
laid  down,  and  the  meeting-houses  shut  up  ; 
which  sorrowful  circumstance  led  to  a  train  of 
reflection  and  the  inquiry,  "Why  is  it  so?" 
The  answer  is  short  and  easily  seen  :  disobedi- 
ence to  known  duty,  the  daily  cross,  stands  in 
the  way  of  that  full  dedication  of  all  we  possess 
to  Him  who  gave  us  all,  and  to  whom  wor- 
ship and  obedience  are  ever  due.  It  is  to  be 
feared  that  in  this  day  of  outward  ease  and 
prosperity,  the  things  of  this  present  world  are 
more  loved  and  sought  after  than  the  wise  and 
bountiful  Giver.  Unless  there  is  a  willingness 
to  return  to  our  first  principles,  to  love  God 


68  Memoir  of 

above  all,  and  to  do  our  first  works  of  obedi- 
ence to  Him  in  all  things,  the  Society  of 
Friends  will  continue  to  decline,  and,  ere  long, 
be  lost  in  the  spirit  of  this  world,  and  all  our 
meeting-houses  will  be  closed  or  used  for  other 
purposes  than  spiritual  worship.  But  we  hope 
better  things.  There  are  in  most  meetings  liv- 
ingly  concerned  members  who  do  worship  our 
Heavenly  Father  in  spirit  and  in  truth ;  and 
the  prayer  of  my  spirit  often  is  that  the  Great 
Husbandman  will  raise  up,  and  qualify,  and 
send  forth  faithful  laborers  into  His  vineyard, 
who,  by  daily  example  and  precept,  shall  bear 
witness  to  the  sufficiency  of  the  Divine  Spirit 
in  the  soul  to  preserve  from  all  sin  and  error  if 
attended  to  and  obeyed. 

In  the  fall  of  1855,  believing  my  Heavenly 
Father  required  it  of  me,  I  asked  for  and  ob- 
tained certificates  of  our  Monthly  and  Quar- 
terly Meetings  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meeting 
of  Baltimore,  and  to  visit  the  meetings  consti- 
tuting it.  My  kind  friends  Amos  and  Caroline 
Willets  being  willing  to  accompany  me,  we 
attended  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  commenced 
visiting  the  other  meetings,  when  I  met  with  a 


Rachael  Hicks.  69 

close  trial  in  an  accident  which  befell  my  dear 
companion  and  faithful  armor-bearer,  Caroline 
Willets.  Intending  to  attend  Centre  Quar- 
terly Meeting,  held  at  West  Branch  in  nth 
month,  and  being  at  a  Friend's  house  near  that 
place,  my  dear  friend  Caroline  fell  down  a  stair- 
way, and  sprained  her  ankle  ;  making  it  neces- 
sary for  her  and  her  husband  to  return  home. 
This  brought  me  under  a  deep  exercise  of 
mind,  and  thinking  I  could  not  go  on  without 
them,  I  made  up  my  mind  also  to  return  home. 
Before  the  Quarterly  Meeting  ended,  I  grew 
uneasy  with  this  conclusion,  and  my  faith  in, 
and  allegiance  to,  my  Divine  Master  were 
closely  tried.  After  painful  conflict  with  the 
weakness  and  reasonings  of  the  creature,  I  was 
made  willing  to  resign  myself  to  His  care,  who 
is  an  ever-present  helper  in  the  needful  time. 
A  Friend  offering  to  go  with  me  to  Monallen, 
where  Warrington  Quarterly  Meeting  was  soon 
to  be  held,  although  one  hundred  miles  dis- 
tant, I  felt  most  easy  to  go  there,  believing 
that  I  should  find  company  there  for  the  re- 
mainder of  the  journey,  or  a  part  of  it.  Most 
of  the  way  being  on  the  direct  route  by  which 


70  Memoir  of 

my  homeward-bound  friends  had  to  travel,  we 
set  out  together,  arriving  at  Harrisburgh  about 
one  o'clock  at  night.  Here  we  parted,  and 
whilst  my  new  and  kind  caretaker  was  assist- 
ing dear  Caroline  in  the  change  of  cars,  I  stood 
alone  in  the  street,  feeling  that  I  was  indeed  a 
stranger  in  a  city  of  strangers,  in  the  gloom 
and  solitariness  of  the  midnight  hour.  But 
for  the  sensible  presence  of  Him  who  never 
forsakes  His  dependent  children  my  fortitude 
would  have  failed  and  discouragement  and  de- 
spair overwhelmed  me.  Praised  forever  be  His 
name,  He  arose  and  said,  "  Peace,  be  still," 
and  my  soul  rested  in  a  calm  trust  and  confi- 
dence through  that  trying  season.  We  passed 
the  remainder  of  the  night  at  a  hotel.  I  slept 
but  little,  although  I  retired  to  my  room  un- 
der a  full  sense  of  the  superintending  care  of 
Him  who  had  power  to  stop  the  mouths  of 
lions,  that  they  could  not  hurt  a  Daniel ; 
feeling  that  He  had  power  also  to  frustrate  the 
machinations  of  the  wicked,  if  any  were  there, 
who  having  seen  me,  a  defenseless  woman, 
alone  with  my  baggage  might  have  looked 
upon  it  with  a  covetous  eye. 


Rachael  Hicks.  71 

The  next  morning,  soon  after  taking  our  seats 
in  the  stage,  two  intoxicated  men  entered, 
whose  conversation  was  profane  and  disgust- 
ing. Here  was  another  kind  of  trial  which 
was  patiently  to  be  borne.  I  pitied  these 
poor  slaves  to  their  human  propensities,  having 
yielded  to  the  love  of  strong  drink  until  they 
had  no  power  to  resist  the  desire  for  taking 
that  which  they  knew  would,  for  a  time  at 
least,  deprive  them  of  the  exercise  of  reason, 
and  sink  them  below  the  brute  creation.  I  re- 
flected, and  saw  how  insufficient  are  all  the 
efforts  of  man,  in  his  own  wisdom  and  strength, 
to  put  a  stop  to  this  crying  evil.  The  Temper- 
ance societies  with  all  their  works — although  I 
trust  in  the  sincerity  of  heart  of  the  leaders  of 
many  of  these — their  eloquence,  their  lectures, 
and  their  pledges  had  failed.  I  saw  that  noth- 
ing short  of  repentance,  and  prayer  to  God, 
who  alone  can  give  strength  to  take  up  the 
daily  cross,  will  ever  in  reality  do  away  with 
this  degrading  sin. 

About  the  middle  of  the  day  we  reached  a 
Friend's  house,  where  we  were  kindly  enter- 
tained, and  where  we  rested,  and  the  next 


72  Memoir  of 

morning  went  to  Monallen  to  attend  the  Quar- 
terly Meeting.  I  rejoiced  to  be  again  among 
Friends;  for,  notwithstanding  the  great  depart- 
ure of  many  amongst  us  from  the  Spirit  of 
Truth,  we  are  not  a  forsaken  people.  There  is 
still  a  remnant  left  whose  chiefest  joy  is  to  do 
the  will  of  our  Father  who  is  in  Heaven.  For 
the  reward  of  these,  and  the  tenderly  visited 
minds  in  our  midst  His  life-giving  presence  is 
vouchsafed,  crowning  our  solemn  assemblies, 
encouraging  us  to  hold  on  our  Heavenward 
journey,  and  not  to  forsake  the  assembling  of 
ourselves  together,  to  worship  Him  in  simplic- 
ity and  sincerity  of  soul,  without  desiring  the 
aid  of  human  ministration. 

Here  I  found  that  my  kind  friend  Ann  Shep- 
herd— an  elder — was  willing  to  leave  her  hus- 
band and  comfortable  home,  from  a  sense  of 
religious  duty,  and  go  with  me,  visiting  the 
meetings  as  far  as  Baltimore,  where  she  left 
me,  and  Lydia  Jeffries,  an  elder  "  worthy  of 
double  honor,"  and  a  mother  in  Israel,  accom- 
panied me  in  the  attendance  of  the  remainder 
of  the  meetings  in  that  Yearly  Meeting.  At 
their  conclusion  my  kind  friend  Amos  Willets 


Rachael  Hicks.  73 

met  me,  to  accompany  me  home,  where  I 
arrived  early  in  1st  month,  1856,  just  one  hour 
before  the  commencement  of  a  snow-storm  so 
severe  that  the  next  day  I  could  not  get  to 
our  own  meeting,  although  not  half  a  mile 
distant.  My  heart  overflowed  with  love  and 
reverent  thankfulness  to  my  Divine  Caretaker 
and  Protector  for  this  favor,  and  over  and 
above  all  in  that  He  had  enabled  me  to  per- 
form the  work  He  sent  me  to  do,  so  as  to 
feel  sweet  peace  of  mind  in  the  retrospect ; 
and  also  that  He  had  opened  the  minds  of 
Friends  to  receive  and  help  on  her  way  one 
of  the  least  and  most  unworthy  of  all  the 
laborers  in  His  vineyard.  A  prayer  oft  arises 
in  my  heart  to  Him  who  alone  is  able,  that 
he  will  abundantly  reward  the  helpers  and 
companions  of  the  poor  ministers.  These 
are  sent  to  and  fro  in  the  earth,  to  preach 
the  glad  tidings  of  the  everlasting  gospel  to 
the  poor  in  spirit ;  and  if  faithful,  to  offer  to 
the  people  that  which  is  given  them,  and  thus 
stand  acquitted  in  the  Divine  sight ;  and 
through  unmerited  mercy  to  save  their  own 
souls,  whether  the  people  will  hear  or  forbear. 


74  Memoir  of 

In  the  course  of  this  journey  I  had  afresh  to 
mourn  over  the  deplorable  system  of  human 
slavery  that  exists  in  our  land,  not  only  on  ac- 
count of  the  injustice  and  cruelty  exercised 
toward  the  African  race,  but  also  for  its  de- 
moralizing influence  on  the  white  people  who 
claim  them  as  their  property. 

The  query  arises,  Have  we  any  reason  to 
hope  that  a  day  of  retribution  will  not  come, 
not  only  to  the  slaveholder,  but  also  to  those 
who  sustain  the  system  by  using  and  traffick- 
ing in  the  articles  produced  by  the  labor  of 
slaves?  In  the  wise  economy  and  operation  of 
the  laws  established  by  our  beneficent  Creator, 
the  actions  of  men — according  to  the  motives, 
whether  they  be  good  or  bad — produce  their 
legitimate  results.  Good  actions  performed  in 
love  and  obedience  to  Him  who  made  us  are 
always  rewarded  with  peace  of  mind  here,  and 
a  well-grounded  hope  of  eternal  happiness  in 
the  world  to  come.  On  the  other  hand,  reject- 
ing the  Divine  government  and  acting  in  our 
own  will,  brings  disquietude  and  condemnation 
of  soul,  in  which  there  is  no  real  enjoyment 
here  nor  hope  of  bliss  hereafter. 


Rachael  Hicks.  75 

Man  is  not  learning  wisdom  from  this  suffer- 
ing, so  as  to  repent  and  turn  unto  God  for 
help  and  instruction;  but,  continuing  in  sin, 
the  propensities  of  his  human  nature  grow 
strong,  and,  having  undue  ascendency,  pride 
and  ambition,  avarice  and  anger,  hatred  and 
animosity,  prompt  him  to  words  and  actions 
which  tend  to  irritate  others  who  are  in  a  sim- 
ilar state;  hence  contention  and  strife,  injus- 
tice and  cruelty,  wars  and  fightings  ensue. 
Hence  the  groan  of  agony  from  the  wounded 
and  dying  on  the  field  of  battle,  the  wailing  of 
the  widow  and  the  fatherless,  the  moans  of 
the  bereaved  mother  and  surviving  relatives. 

Children  trained  in  these  habits,  imbibing  the 
same  spirit  from  the  example  and  teaching  of 
those  around  them,  seem  not  to  know  that  the 
"  still  small  voice  "  in  them  which  reproves  for 
evil  is  the  voice  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  would 
be  to  them  the  Saviour  from  all  sin,  and  con- 
sequently from  these  sore  afflictions  which,  be- 
ing the  natural  result  of  disobedience  to  God, 
are  truly  called  His  just  judgments,  as  He  ren- 
ders to  every  one  according  to  his  deeds  and 
the  motives  of  the  heart.  And  as  the  in- 


76  Memoir  of 

spired  prophet  said,  in  addressing  Israel, 
"  Thine  own  wickedness  shall  correct  thee,  and 
thy  backslidings  shall  reprove  thee ;  know 
therefore  and  see  that  it  is  an  evil  thing  and 
bitter  that  thou  hast  forsaken  the  Lord  thy 
God,  and  that  my  fear  is  not  in  thee,  saith  the 
Lord  God  of  Hosts." 

In  view  of  the  power  and  majesty  of  Deity 
my  soul  bows  reverently  before  Him.  He  will 
work,  and  none  can  hinder;  therefore  I  fear 
that,  ere  long,  the  soil  that  has  received  the 
tears  and  sweat  of  the  oppressed  in  our  land 
will  be  moistened  by  the  blood  of  the  white 
man — the  inevitable  consequence  and  just  re- 
tribution for  his  unrighteous  doings.  Oh,  saith 
my  spirit,  that  all  may  return  unto  God  in 
repentance,  humility,  and  prayer,  for  He  is  in- 
finite in  love  and  mercy,  and  hears  and  delivers 
those  who  rely  upon  Him,  and  comforts  them, 
saying,  "  Peace,  be  still." 


Rachael  Hicks.  77 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1857  TO   i860. 

Obtains  a  Minute  to  visit  the  Families  of  Westbury  Quarterly 
Meeting — Minute  to  visit  the  Families  of  the  three  Monthly 
Meetings  of  Philadelphia — Illness  and  Death  of  her  Com- 
panion, Caroline  Willets — Minute  to  visit  the  Families  of 
the  Monthly  Meeting  of  Baltimore — Minutes  to  attend  the 
Yearly  Meetings  of  Philadelphia,  Ohio,  Indiana,  and  re- 
mote Settlements  in  the  West. 

IN  the  winter  of  1857,  from  a  sense  of  re- 
ligious duty,  I  visited  the  families  of  Friends 
and  Friendly  people  in  the  Monthly  Meeting 
of  New  York. 

2d  mo.  7th,  1858. — This  evening  finished  the 
family  visits  to  Friends  and  Friendly  people 
within  the  compass  of  the  three  Monthly  Meet- 
ings on  Long  Island.  Thus  the  families  of 
Westbury  Quarterly  Meeting,  except  that  of 
Cornwall,  have  all  been  visited.  Whether  any 
good  fruits  to  others  will  ever  result  from 
these  arduous  labors  appears  to  me  very 
doubtful.  The  minds  of  many  are  so  ab- 


78  Memoir  of 

sorbed  in  the  treasures  and  pleasures  of  this 
world  that  the  life  and  power  of  religion  seem 
to  be  of  minor  importance.  I  entered  upon 
this  service  in  great  weakness,  and  went  from 
house  to  house  an  empty  vessel,  save  a  heavy 
weight  of  concern  and  an  humbling  sense  of 
my  own  insufficiency  for  so  great  a  work.  But 
in  sitting  down  with  the  little  gathered  circle, 
the  inexhaustible  fountain  was  again  and  again 
opened,  and  the  word  of  exhortation  flowed 
freely  in  most  families,  especially  in  some  not 
in  membership  with  us,  but  who  were  hungry 
for  the  bread  of  life,  and  who  rejoiced  in  the 
crumbs  that  are  overlooked  by  the  rich  and 
full. 

The  work  is  finished,  and  the  end  is  peace- 
ful to  my  own  mind,  arid  in  humble  gratitude 
I  can  say,  "  Return  unto  thy  rest,  oh  my  soul, 
for  the  Lord  hath  dealt  bountifully  with  thee." 
He  has  been  thy  strength  in  weakness,  riches 
in  poverty,  and  a  present  helper  in  the  need- 
ful time.  Blessed,  forever  blessed,  be  His 
name! 

In  1858,  in  prospect  of  religious  duty  to  visit 
the  families  of  Friends  composing  the  three 


Rachael  Hicks.  79 

Monthly  Meetings  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia, 
I  was  brought  under  a  weight  of  exercise  that 
seemed  heavier  than  I  could  bear.  When  look- 
ing at  the  state  of  our  society,  I  felt  a  spirit 
exalted  in  its  own  imagination,  seeking  pro- 
motion and  predominance,  and  at  times  lay- 
ing waste  the  testimonies  of  those  who,  for 
conscience  sake,  could  not  follow  them  and 
give  them  flattery  and  applause.  This  makes 
heavy  exercise  for  those  who  are  seeking  only 
their  own  souls'  peace  by  simple  obedience  to 
the  revealed  will  of  their  Creator.  In  my  own 
experience  I  oft  feel  "  woe  is  unto  me "  if  I 
testify  not  of  the  all-sufficiency  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  to  lead  and  guide  into  all  Truth,  call- 
ing the  people  away  from  a  dependence  on 
self-wisdom  and  their  own  strength,  to  this 
eternal  principle,  which  breathes  "  Glory  to 
God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  good- 
will toward  men." 

Although  I  felt  there  were  rightly  exercised 
minds  and  devoted  servants  of  the  Lord  in 
that  city,  who  could  sympathize  with  my  ex- 
ercise, as  true  burden-bearers,  yet  a  sense  of 
my  own  great  weakness  and  inability  to  per- 


8o  Memoir  of 

form  so  arduous  a  service  caused  me  to  say  in 
spirit,  How  shall  I  stand  before  the  great  and 
mighty  who  seemed  like  Goliaths  in  my  view? 
Many  exercises  and  reasonings  of  the  creature 
arose  in  my  mind,  and  I  was  tossed  for  a  sea- 
son as  a  vessel  on  the  tempestuous  ocean.  But 
forever  blessed  be  the  name  of  my  Lord  and 
Master,  in  all  these  seasons  He  came  and  said, 
"  Peace,  be  still,"  "Fear  thou  not,  for  I  am 
with  thee ;  be  not  dismayed,  for  I  am  thy 
God ;  I  will  strengthen  thee ;  yea,  I  will  help 
thee ;  yea,  I  will  uphold  thee  with  the  right 
hand  of  my  righteousness." 

These  gracious  promises  I  knew  He  would 
fulfill  if  I  kept  humbly  bowed  before  Him,  and 
faithful  to  His  commands.  Having  tasted  the 
bitter  fruits  of  disobedience,  I  was  willing  to 
endure  hardness  and  suffering,  so  that  I  might 
lay  down  my  head  in  peace  at  last.  Therefore 
my  soul  and  all  within  me  bowed  in  humble 
reverence  before  Him,  and  I  said  in  my  heart, 
"  If  this  cup  may  not  pass  from  me  except  I 
drink  it,  Thy  will,  oh !  Father,  be  done." 
Although  this  full  surrender  of  my  own  will 
in  laying  the  concern  before  our  Monthly 


Rachael  Hicks.  81 

Meeting  for  its  judgment  in  the  nth  month, 
and  receiving  its  certificate  and  unity  (save  in 
one  instance)  lightened  the  burden  in  some 
measure,  yet  I  felt  a  weight  of  exercise  that  no 
one  can  understand  but  those  who  have  passed 
through  the  baptisms  of  preparation  for  such 
a  service,  known  only  by  Him  who  sees  the  in- 
most recesses  of  the  soul.  I  felt  as  if  I  were 
going  to  Calvary,  to  lay  down  the  life  of  my 
creaturely  will,  if  not  the  life  of  the  body  also  ; 
not  having  an  idea  of  the  afflictions  that  await- 
ed me. 

On  opening  the  subject  to  my  kind  friends 
Amos  and  Caroline  Willets,  who  had  been  my 
faithful  armor-bearers  in  many  religious  visits 
heretofore,  they  entered  into  feelings  of  near 
sympathy  with  me,  especially  dear  Caroline. 
Her  health  being  feeble,  I  felt  that  she  was  not 
able  to  do  more  than  attend  the  Monthly 
Meetings,  where  it  was  right  and  necessary  for 
me  to  lay  my  concern  before  the  members,  for 
them  to  decide  whether  they  would  receive  or 
reject  the  visit.  Therefore  on  the  226.  of  I2th 
month,  1858,  the  above-named  Friends  accom- 
panied me  in  attending  Race  Street  Monthly 


82  Memoir  of 

Meeting  (Philadelphia),  where  Friends  gave 
me  a  cordial  reception.  The  next  day  at  Green 
Street  Monthly  Meeting,  a  number  of  men 
Friends  objected,  on  account  of  my  compan- 
ions, who,  as  elders,  had  borne  their  testimony 
against  doctrines  not  acknowledged  by  our  So- 
ciety, but  held  by  a  member  of  that  meeting, 
who  traveled  as  a  minister.  Many  of  their 
members  were  deeply  tried  ;  but  through  all, 
our  minds  were  calm  and  peaceful ;  dear  Car- 
oline saying  that  what  she  had  done  was  from 
a  sense  of  religious  duty.  As  I  went  there  in 
resignation  to  my  Heavenly  Father,  and  made 
the  offer  to  Friends,  I  felt  acquitted  in  His 
sight,  and  a  renewed  evidence  was  furnished 
me  that  this  order  of  our  Society  relative  to 
Friends  traveling  as  ministers  originated  in  the 
wisdom  of  Truth,  and  is  consistent  with  that 
brotherhood  alluded  to  by  the  Head  of  the 
Church  when  He  said,  "  One  is  your  Master, 
even  Christ,  and  all  ye  are  brethren."  Minis- 
ters have  no  right  to  go  forth  in  the  name  of 
the  Society,  or  of  the  meetings  to  which  they 
belong,  without  their  consent  or  approval,  nor 
to  impose  themselves  or  their  ministry  on 


Rachael  Hicks.  83 

Friends  or  others  without  their  approbation. 
Hearers  have  rights  as  well  as  speakers.  Un- 
der this  view,  I  bade  the  Monthly  Meeting  a 
farewell,  feeling  a  release  from  the  burden  of 
exercise  at  the  time. 

The  next  day  at  Spruce  Street  Monthly 
Meeting,  Friends  kindly  opened  the  way  for 
me  to  proceed.  Accordingly  we  visited  about 
twenty  families,  when  my  dear  companion 
Caroline  Willets  became  so  ill  that  she  re- 
turned to  our  lodgings  at  the  house  of  our 
kind  friends  Samuel  and  Mary  Caley,  where 
she  lingered  on  a  bed  of  sickness  in  a  sweet 
and  peaceful  frame  of  mind,  until  the  5th 
of  1st  month,  when  her  immortal  spirit  passed 
away ;  we  humbly  trust,  to  the  haven  of  eternal 
rest,  joy  and  peace,  her  last  audible  words 
being,  "  I  see  a  mansion  prepared  for  me." 
She  had  dearly  loved  her  friends,  and  she 
died  in  their  midst.  A  large  number  gath- 
ered round  her  dying  bed,  in  solemn  si- 
lence ;  waited  for,  and  saw  the  closing  scene. 
When  she  had  ceased  to  breathe,  prayer  and 
supplication  were  put  up  for  resignation  to 
Him  who  had  given,  and  taken  away,  a  friend 


84  Memoir  of 

beloved,  in  the  midst  of  her  great  usefulness. 
But  we  feel  that  our  great  loss  is  her  great 
gain. 

I  felt  closely  tried  by  this  experience,  but 
could  not  see,  nor  feel  that  I  merited  censure  as 
being  the  cause  of  taking  her  from  her  home, 
as  she  too  entered  upon  the  visit  from  a  sense 
of  religious  duty,  several  times  cheerfully  say- 
ing, "  I  will  stay  with  thee  two  weeks,  and 
then  I  think  I  shall  feel  released,"  which 
proved  to  be  true,  for  on  the  6th  of  1st  month, 
1859,  her  remains  were  taken  to  her  late  home 
in  New  York.  (See  a  further  account  of  her  in 
the  Memorial  of  New  York  Monthly  Meeting.) 

Being  unwell  myself,  I  remained  several 
weeks  with  the  bereaved  family,  when  I  re- 
turned, and  resumed  my  arduous  labor.  Hav- 
ing been  officially  informed  that  at  a  subse- 
quent Monthly  Meeting  of  Green  Street  it  had 
concluded  to  receive  family  visits,  when  I  was 
nearly  through  the  other  meetings,  the  burden 
of  exercise  unexpectedly  returned  so  weightily 
upon  me,  that  I  dared  not  do  otherwise  than 
enter  upon  it ;  and  although  deeply  humiliating 
to  the  flesh,  the  spirit  rejoiced  when  it  was  ac- 


Rachael  Hicks.  85 

complished.  I  was  humbled  under  a  sense  of 
my  own  unworthiness  to  receive  so  much  kind 
attention  from  Friends  in  all  the  Monthly 
Meetings,  who  were  engaged  in  the  arduous 
labor  of  making  arrangements  for  me  to  visit 
such  a  large  a  number  of  families  in  and  about 
the  city  of  Philadelphia.  Desiring  that  these 
might  have  an  abundant  reward,  I  returned 
home  with  that  sweet  peace  of  mind,  which 
the  world  can  neither  give  nor  take  away.  My 
Heavenly  Father  had  fulfilled  all  His  promise 
to  be  my  shield  and  my  strength.  Blessed, 
forever  blessed,  be  His  name  ! 

Early  in  the  winter  of  1859,  a  similar  visit 
was  paid  to  the  families  of  Baltimore  Monthly 
Meeting.  Although  resignation  to  this  was 
more  easily  attained,  than  to  the  one  above  al- 
luded to,  I  found  now,  as  on  all  other  occasions, 
that  it  is  not  a  light  matter  to  engage  in  any 
religious  services,  without  a  deep  indwelling  of 
spirit  with  Him  who  alone  can  qualify  for  any 
service  in  the  Church  Militant. 

In  the  spring  of  1860,  I  attended  the  Yearly 
Meeting  of  Philadelphia,  which  was  large ;  and 
although  much  of  the  reasoning  creaturely  wis- 


86  Memoir  of 

dom  that  exalteth  itself  was  seen  and  felt,  yet 
many  minds  were  bowed  before  Him  who 
dwells  with  the  contrited  spirit,  and  His  sol- 
emnizing presence  was  spread  as  a  canopy  over 
the  assembly. 

Before  entering  upon  the  last  two  visits,  I 
obtained  minutes  of  unity  from  our  Monthly 
Meeting,  and  in  due  time  returned  them  with 
the  information  that  the  service  had  been  per- 
formed to  the  peace  of  my  mind. 

Having  for  some  time  felt  my  mind  drawn  in 
gospel  love  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meetings  of 
Ohio  and  Indiana,  to  visit  the  families  of  White- 
water Monthly  Meeting,  and  also,  a  few  remote 
settlements  in  the  States  of  Illinois  and  Iowa, 
and  believing  it  to  be  a  requisition  of  my  Heav- 
enly Father,  I  opened  the  concern  to  our 
Monthly  and  Quarterly  Meetings  in  7th  mo., 
1860,  and  obtained  their  certificates  of  concur- 
rence. 

In  8th  month  my  kind  friends  William  T. 
Cock  and  Elizabeth,  his  wife,  and  Samuel  J. 
Underhill  and  his  wife,  accompanied  me  to 
Ohio  Yearly  Meeting.  The  former  two  then 
returned  home,  and  the  latter  two  went  with 


Rachael  Hicks.  87 

me  to  Richmond,  Indiana,  where  they  left  me 
under  the  care  of  Friends  there  ;  first  attending 
the  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Whitewater,  held  at 
Dublin. 

In  the  fellowship  I  felt  with  the  livingly 
exercised  Friends  here,  I  was  renewedly  made 
sensible  that  those  who  are  led  by  the  Spirit 
of  God  are  His  children  ;  being  born  of  His 
Spirit,  they  are  brethren  in  the  Truth.  His 
love  cementing  them  together  in  an  indissolu- 
ble bond  of  unity  of  spirit,  they  are  "  one  anoth- 
er's helpers  in  the  Lord."  Thus  my  kind 
friends,  John  T.  Plummer  and  Alice  Menden- 
hall,  were  made  willing  to  go  with  me  to  the 
remote  meetings  before  alluded  to,  and  for 
which  way  did  not  open  in  1852.  It  was  a  long 
journey — one  thousand  miles  from  my  home — 
but,  as  we  traveled  mostly  by  railroad,  it  was 
accomplished  in  about  ten  days. 

We  attended  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  Clear 
Creek,  in  Illinois,  and  two  meetings  for  worship 
in  Iowa — they  being  forty  miles  apart.  Our 
kind  friend,  Joseph  Wood,  took  us  in  his  car- 
riage from  West  Liberty  to  Prairie  Grove. 
While  there  I  felt,  and  still  do  feel,  a  deep  con- 


88  Memoir  of 

cern  for  these  dear  Friends,  who  in  their 
isolated  situation,  appeared  honestly  concerned 
to  keep  up  their  meetings  in  the  order  of  our 
So  ciety.  I  believe,  as  they  are  careful  to  wait 
on  the  Lord,  and  do  His  will  revealed  in  their 
souls,  they  will,  by  their  consistent  conduct  and 
conversation,  be  a  blessing  to  those  amongst 
whom  they  dwell.  At  these  two  places,  not 
long  after  our  visit,  preparative  meetings  were 
set  up,  and  a  Monthly  Meeting  was  held  alter- 
nately in  each  place — an  evidence  of  the  in- 
fluence of  example  and  of  a  living  concern. 
Hearing  of  a  number  of  Friends'  families  scat- 
tered overthese  new  Western  States,  so  remote 
from  each  other  as  not  to  be  able  to  attend 
meetings,  I  feared  that  Friends  seeking  a  settle- 
ment in  the  world  for  themselves  and  their 
children,  do  not  take  into  consideration,  or 
appreciate,  the  advantages  of  religious  associ- 
ation, and  the  establishment  of  public  meetings 
for  the  worship  of  God  in  spirit,  who  requires 
this  solemn  duty  of  His  accountable  creature 
man.  He  alone  can  qualify  those  He  calls  to 
the  work  of  the  ministry,  to  minister  to  the 
people  the  encouragement  and  edification 


Rachael  Hicks.  89 

which  He  designs  for  them  through  instru- 
mental means.  To  Him  belongs  all  the  praise. 

After  this  far  Western  visit  was  accomplished, 
my  kind  friends  Cornelius  Ratcliff  and  wife  ac- 
companied me  in  a  visit  to  the  families  of 
Friends  in  and  about  Richmond.  This  service 
was  finished  before  the  opening  of  Indiana  Year- 
ly Meeting,  held  at  Waynesville ;  where  my 
former  companions,  William  T.  Cock  and  wife, 
met  me  to  accompany  me  home,  which  we  reach- 
ed the  pth  of  loth  mo.,  1860,  humbly  thankful 
for  the  many  favors  received. 

The  query  often  arises,  "  What  shall  I  render 
unto  Thee,  O  Lord,  for  Thy  many  benefits?  " 
The  response  is,  "  The  whole  heart,  yea,  body, 
soul  and  spirit,  and  all  thou  callest  thine  :  for 
the  Lord  thy  God  is  thy  helper.  To  Him, 
therefore,  dedicate  the  remainder  of  thy  days, 
the  little  remnant  of  thy  natural  life,  lest  after 
all  thy  toil,  thy  labor,  and  thy  sacrifices,  thou 
lose  the  crown  of  eternal  rest,  laid  up  for  thee 
at  the  end  of  thy  race  if  thou  continue  faithfully 
dedicated  to  His  work  and  service.  Bow,  rev- 
erently bow,  before  Him,  and  if  any  future  re- 
quisition be  made  of  thee,  hard  as  it  may  be  to 


90  Memoir  of 

thy  natural  will,  ask  of  Him  for  strength  to 
say, '  Thy  will  be  done,'  for  He  has  not  only  been 
with  thee  in  spirit,  giving  thee  strength  to  stand 
before  many  gathered  assemblies,  and  declare 
His  doctrines,  and  counsels,  and  opened  the 
minds  of  many  to  receive  thy  testimony,  but 
He  has  also  raised  up  for  thy  help  armor-bear- 
ers from  amongst  the  heads  of  the  tribes  of  our 
Israel."  Little  and  unworthy  as  I  feel  myself 
to  be,  a  succession  of  livingly  concerned  ser- 
vants of  the  Lord  have  been  drawn  by  Him, 
in  sympathy  and  unity  of  spirit,  to  go  to  and 
fro  in  the  earth  with  me,  helping  to  bear  up 
my  hands  as  Aarons  and  Hurs.  That  they 
may  have  their  full  reward,  is  the  prayer  of  my 
spirit. 

Before  leaving  this  brief  account  of  what 
seems  most  likely  to  be  my  last  visit  to  Indiana 
Yearly  Meeting,  I  feel  bound  to  say  of  it,  that  it 
is  my  conviction,  there  is  preserved  there  a  pre- 
cious remnant  ;  and  more  of  ancient  simplicity 
of  concern,  and  deep  indwelling  of  spirit,  for 
the  maintenance  of  all  the  testimonies  borne 
by  our  Society  from  the  beginning,  than  in 
most  other  parts  of  the  heritage.  And  I  had  in 


Rachael  Hicks.  91 

thankfulness  to  observe  that  in  this  as  well  as 
in  other  Yearly  Meetings,  the  disturbing  ele- 
ment of  those  who,  in  times  past,  thought  it 
not  necessary  to  wait  for  Divine  command  and 
ability  to  labor  for  reformation  in  the  world, 
but  took  their  reasoning  powers  for  their  guide, 
has  mostly  passed  away  from  the  meeting  of 
Friends.  But  they  who  have  honestly  en- 
deavored to  stand  on  the  foundation  upon 
which  Christ  said  His  Church  was  built 
are  still  alive  in  the  Truth,  and  by  exam- 
ple and  precept,  are  laboring  in  the  ability 
which  God  gives,  for  the  promotion  of  His 
peaceable  kingdom  amongst  men. 

My  desires  are  strong,  that  there  may  be  in 
all  generations  yet  to  come,  a  succession  of 
standard-bearers  inciting  the  people  to  the 
Divine  Light  within  ;  which,  if  attended  to, 
will  enlighten  the  understanding  of  every  one 
to  see  that  there  is  no  safety  in  any  other 
state  than  in  watchfulness,  prayer  and  obedi- 
ence to  the  will  of  God.  We  are,  and  ever  will 
be,  a  tried  people  ;  not  only  by  temptations  in 
our  own  minds,  but  by  the  insinuations  of 
those  who,  having  departed  from  the  Truth, 


92  Memoir  of 

and  being  given  over  to  strange  delusions  and 
cunningly  devised  fables,  labor  to  draw  others 
into  their  own  ways  and  opinions. 

May  all  be  preserved  from  a  confederacy  with 
them,  "  to  whom  this  people  shall  say,  'A  con- 
federacy : '  neither  fear  ye  their  fear  nor  be 
afraid;  sanctify  the  Lord  of  Hosts  Himself; 
and  let  Him  be  your  fear,  and  let  Him  be  your 
dread  "  (that  is,  fear  to  offend  Him),  and."  He 
shall  be  for  a  sanctuary,  a  refuge  and  a  strong 
tower,  unto  which  the  righteous  flee  and  are 
safe."  These,  being  taught  of  God,  are  sons  of 
God  and  brethren  in  this  Heavenly  relation- 
ship, seeking  the  welfare  of  one  another  in  the 
unity  of  the  Spirit,  and  the  bond  of  peace,  and 
watching  over  one  another  for  good. 

Thus  was  our  Society  formed  in  the  beginning ; 
love  of  the  brethren  was  and  is  the  offspring  of 
love  to  God,  which  inclined  them  to  meet  to- 
gether to  worship  Him  in  spirit.  And,  as  occa- 
sion required,  our  Discipline  was  formed,  con- 
taining rules  and  regulations  for  our  outward 
conduct,  originating  in  the  perfect  wisdom  of 
Him  who  is  a  God  of  order.  Friends,  in  the 
meekness  of  their  spirits,  for  the  good  of  all  were 


Rachael  Hicks.  93 

willing  to  submit  to  one  another,  so  that  love 
and  harmony  might  be  maintained ;  seeing 
that  without  this  outward  bond  Societies  or 
associations  could  not  profitably  exist.  "Thou 
shalt  be  the  head ;  thou  shalt  lend  to  many 
nations,  but  shalt  not  borrow,"  was  the  command 
to  this  people  as  well  as  to  Israel  of  old.  But  in 
this  day  of  outward  ease  and  prosperity  a  spi- 
rit of  independence  has  risen  up  ;  which,  if  not 
checked,  will  undermine  the  foundation  not 
only  of  our  religious  Society,  but  also  the  Civil 
Government  under  which  we  live,  and  have  en- 
joyed all  the  privileges  Christians  can  desire. 
When  individuals  shall  persist  in  doing  that 
which  seems  right  in  their  own  eyes,  without 
regard  to  the  judgment  of  others,  or  respect  to 
the  laws  and  regulations  made  for  the  good  of 
all,  it  will  be  an  evidence  that  they  are  not  sub- 
ject to  the  discipline  of  the  "  Cross  of  Christ  " 
in  themselves ;  and  contentions,  divisions  and 
calamities  heavy  to  be  borne  will  necessarily 
ensue. 


94  Memoir  of 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
1 86 1  TO  1864. 

Exercises  of  her  mind  induced  by  the  Condition  of  our  Coun- 
try— Attends  Baltimore  Yearly  Meeting  and  some  of  the 
Meetings  within  its  Limits. 

4TH  mo.,  1861. — Wars  and  rumors  of  wars 
are  heard  in  our  land  !  The  nation  seems  to 
stand  upon  an  awful  precipice,  ready  to  be 
plunged  into  the  pit  of  deadly  strife  of  brother 
against  brother,  in  which,  it  is  to  be  feared, 
rivers  of  human  blood  will  flow.  The  groans  of 
the  dying  on  the  field  of  battle,  and  the  moans 
of  the  bereaved  will  ascend  to  Him  who  is  just 
and  holy,  who  has  made  man  a  free  agent,  and 
invites  all  to  do  His  will  and  receive  the  re- 
ward of  peace  with  Him,  and  of  harmony  with 
their  fellow  men  ;  but  leaves  them  at  liberty, 
if  they  choose,  to  follow  their  own  ways,  and 
reap  the  sad  consequences.  In  departing  from 
the  law  of  the  Lord  written  in  the  heart,  the 
seeds  of  calamity  are  sown  in  the  pride,  ambi- 


Rachael  Hicks.  95 

tion,  love  of  power  and  dominion,  covetous- 
ness,  oppression,  frauds,  and  injustice,  that 
spring  up,  until  the  cup  of  iniquity  seems  filled 
to  the  brim  ;  and  war,  with  all  its  horrors — the 
legitimate  offspring  of  these  evils — seems  al- 
ready begun. 

In  view  of  all  this,  I  have  been  led  in  spirit 
to  make  a  close  investigation  of  myself  and 
of  my  past  life,  desiring  to  see  if  I  have  con- 
tributed to  the  filling  up  of  the  full  measure 
of  iniquity  that  is  now  clothing  the  nation  in 
mourning  and  woe.  Although  feeling  myself 
the  least  of  the  flock  of  the  companions  of 
Christ,  I  have  great  consolation  in  the  retro- 
spect that  I  have  ever  endeavored  to  live  in 
love  to  my  God  and  love  to  my  fellow  man. 
For  the  last  thirty  years,  by  word  and  doctrine, 
as  well  as  by  example,  I  have  labored  to  pro- 
mulgate the  peaceable  principles  of  the  King- 
dom of  Christ  amongst  men,  according  to  the 
ability  given  of  Him,  who  often  makes  use  of 
weak  instruments,  who  realize  that  without 
Him  they  can  do  no  good  thing.  Knowing  my- 
self to  be  one  of  these,  in  humble  gratitude,  I  ac- 
knowledge His  goodness  in  giving  me  to  stand 


96  Memoir  of 

acquitted  in  His  holy  sight,  and  that  His  power 
has  enabled  me  to  wash  my  hands  in  innocency 
from  the  blood  of  all  men. 

My  soul  is  bowed  in  view  of  His  majesty,  His 
almightiness  and  justice,  as  well  as  His  love  and 
mercy.  Blessed  be  His  name  !  He  sets  bounds 
to  the  waves  of  the  sea,  He  sets  bounds  to  the 
raging  of  fallen  man  ;  and  when  by  chastise- 
ments the  people  are  humbled,  and  cry  unto 
Him  for  help,  He  will  say,  "  Peace,  be  still," 
and  there  will  be  a  calm.  I  feel  that  a  great 
weight  of  responsibility  rests  on  the  Society  of 
Friends,  a  people  called  to  stand  before  the 
world,  'as  a  city  set  on  an  hill,  that  cannot  be 
hid;'  because,  walking  in  the  light  of  the  Lord, 
-they  would  have  been  instruments  in  His  power 
and  wisdom,  in  enlightening  the  minds  of  be- 
holders, so  that  ere  this  they  would  have  seen 
war  to  be  inconsistent  with  the  Christian  re- 
ligion. They  would  have  seen  that  love  to  God, 
and  love  and  forbearance  toward  man  were  the 
only  sure  basis  of  prosperity  and  happiness. 

Had  Friends  all  lived  in  the  life  and  power 
of  vital  religion,  we  would  have  remained  a 
united  people,  wise  in  the  wisdom  which 


Rachael  Hicks.  97 

God  gives,  standing  aloof  from  all  parties, 
and  party  feelings,  giving  evidence  that  we 
love  all  men  of  every  nation,  without  distinc- 
tion. These  holy  men  and  women,  fearing 
God,  and  doing  His  will,  mingling  with  the 
people  in  every  part  of  the  land,  would  have 
been  as  saviors  on  the  mountain  of  the  Lord, 
where  nothing  can  "  hurt  or  destroy."  Our 
country  would  not  then  have  sunk  into  its 
present  sad  condition  ;  its  people  divided,  and 
in  many  cases  hating  each  other. 

6th  mo.,  1 86 1. — The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is 
upon  me,  and  it  said  unto  me,  "  Write  ;  "  and  I 
said,  "  What  shall  I  write?  "  and  it  said,  "The 
day  of  the  Lord  is  near  that  shall  '  burn  as  an 
oven,'  and  the  '  wicked  '  they  that  fear  Me  not, 
shall  be  as  '  stubble,'  and  no  man  can  prevent 
the  bringing  about  the  just  and  legitimate 
fruits  of  their  backslidings,  for  they  are  many. 
The  sins  of  the  people  have  multiplied,  their 
proud  hearts  are  lifted  up,  they  love  this 
present  world  more  than  they  love  Me  who 
gave  it.  In  their  love  of  money  and  power 
they  oppress  the  weaker,  and  in  every  way 
which  the  wisdom  of  man  can  devise,  they 


98  Memoir  of 

have  defrauded  their  fellow  creatures,  com- 
mitting the  sins  found  in  Sodom  and  Egypt. 
As  I  chastised  them,  so  will  I  chastise  those 
of  this  nation,  which  say,  '  I  will  rule,  I  will 
not  submit.'  Hence  brother  is  arrayed  against 
brother,  bathing  the  sword  in  each  other's 
blood,  in  the  pride  and  haughtiness  of  spirit, 
which  have  grown  strong  in  them,  because  of  the 
willful  departure  from  My  spirit  in  their  souls. 
The  crying,  the  sighing  and  the  prayers  of  the 
oppressed  and  defrauded  have  come  up  before 
Me,  and  I  have  risen  in  My  majesty  to  deliver 
them,  and  to  chastise  those  who  will  not  bow 
before  Me  in  mercy,  and  who  in  the  end 
will  dare  say  '  What  doest  thou  ?  ' 

"  The  South  shall  chastise  the  North  for  a  sea- 
son, for  her  participation  in  the  oppression  and 
injustice  to  the  red  man  of  the  forest,  and  the 
black  man  of  Africa  ;  rivers  of  blood  will  ere  long 
flow,  and  calamities  sore  and  heavy  will  be  ex- 
perienced, until  the  people  shall  be  humbled, 
and  call  on  Me  for  help,  acknowledging  that 
these  are  My  just  judgments  for  sin  and  iniquity. 
Then  will  some  of  them  learn  righteousness." 

1st  mo.,  1862. — This  has  been   a  day  of  re- 


Rachael  Hicks.  99 

joicing  and  giving  thanks  on  the  "banks  of  de- 
liverance ! "  My  soul  has,  for  a  long  season, 
been  plunged  into  deep  exercise  comparable  to 
the  bottom  of  the  sea.  The  watery  unstable 
elements  of  human  nature  have  been  permitted 
to  buffet  and  beat  against  me,  as  if  to  try  my 
hold  on  Heaven,  and  my  faith  in  Him  who 
alone  can  save.  And  now  I  can  in  humble 
reverence  say,  with  the  great  apostle,  through 
all  "  I  have  kept  the  faith,  and  maintained  the 
warfare,"  oft  saying  in  my  heart,  'if  I  die  I  will 
die  a  suppliant  at  Thy  feet,  oh  !  God,  for  to 
whom  shall  I  go  if  I  forsake  Thee,  and  Thy 
Son,  Thy  power  and  wisdom  in  my  soul  that 
speak  the  words  of  eternal  life  ? ' 

The  necessary  cares  of  the  world  are  at.  times 
a  burden,  and  I  have  longed  for  a  release,  fearing 
if  all  were  not  consistently  managed  I  might 
bring  dishonor  on  the  cause  of  Truth,  which, 
through  the  constraining  power  of  Omnipo- 
tence, and  in  an  humbling  sense  of  my  own 
weakness,  I  have  feebly  espoused,  feeling  that 
the  cause  of  Truth  and  righteousness  in  the 
earth  is  of  the  greatest  importance  to  the  well- 
being  of  mankind  both  here  and  hereafter. 


ioo  Memoir  of 

When  doubts  and  fears  have  prevailed,  and 
tossed  my  poor  mind,  as  from  billow  to  billow, 
He  has  arisen  and  said,  "  Fear  not,  for  I  am  thy 
God.  When  thou  passest  through  the  waters  I 
will  be  with  thee ;  and  through  the  rivers,  they 
shall  not  overflow  thee."  Especially  at  the  pres- 
ent season,  when  the  weight  of  exercise  from  va- 
rious causes  seemed  heavier  than  I  could  bear, 
and  I  thought  my  physical  or  mental  faculties 
would  fail,  He  condescended  in  unbounded 
mercy  to  arise  and  say  to  the  tumultuous 
waves,  "  Be  still,"  and  there  was  a  solemn 
calm,  in  which  the  language  was  heard,  "  I  have 
made  a  hedge  about  thee,  I  will  keep  thee  in 
the  hour  of  trial,  if  thou  wilt  trust  in  Me." 
Feeling  that  the  word  of  a  king  is  inviolate, 
my  soul  and  all  within  me  bowed  in  humble 
reverence  before  Him  in  thankfulness  for  the 
unmerited  favor,  and  for  the  bitter  cup  that 
had  prepared  my  soul  for  the  enjoyment  of  the 
rich  dainties  given  me  to  partake  of.  Blessed, 
forever  blessed  be  His  great  and  adorable  name  ! 
saith  my  spirit. 

6th  mo.  loth,  1862. — My  spirit  is  covered  with 
an  awful  solemnity  in  most  of  my  waking  hours. 


Rachael  Hicks.  101 

When  I  rouse  from  sleep  in  the  morning  this 
weight  comes  pressing  upon  me,  and  I  query 
Why  is  it  so  ?  Then  the  battle  field  is  spread 
out  before  my  mental  vision,  and  I  see  brother 
arrayed  against  brother  in  mortal  combat,  and 
all  for  the  sins  of  the  nation,  for  they  are  very 
great.  O  South  !  thy  sin  against  thy  brother 
of  the  African  race  is  greater  than  Egypt's 
against  Israel  of  old ;  thy  darkness  is  felt,  thy 
day  of  retribution  is  begun  ;  when,  and  how  it 
will  end  is  known  only  to  Him  who  sees  in 
secret  and  whose  "justice  will  not  sleep  for- 
ever." 

And  the  North  has  not  escaped,  and  will  not 
altogether  escape  ;  for  in  measure  we  are  verily 
guilty  concerning  our  brother.  We  have  par- 
taken of  the  spoils  of  his  labor ;  his  tears,  his 
sweat,  and  his  blood  have  cried  against  both 
the  South  and  the  North,  and  entered  the  ears 
of  Him  who  permits  rebellious  man  to  go  on 
until  his  own  doings  bring  correction  and  deep 
suffering.  O  South !  thou  hast  dug  a  pit  for 
thyself,  a  pit  of  mire  and  thick  clay,  from  which 
thou  canst  not  be  raised  and  cleansed  until 
thou  humblest  thyself  before  the  mighty  God 


IO2  Memoir  of 

in  repentance,  seeking  forgiveness,  and  forsak- 
ing thy  sins.  And  O  North !  thou  hast  grown 
rich  and  powerful,  and  thy  heart  is  lifted  up. 
Oh !  humble  thyself,  and  come  down  into  the 
low  valley  of  humiliation,  where  the  dew  of 
Heaven  lies  long,  and  the  pastures  of  Divine 
life  are  green.  In  reverence  and  thankfulness 
to  God  feed  thereon,  and  thy  light  will  shine 
before  the  world,  and  the  nations  of  the  earth 
will  love  and  respect  thee,  and  none  of  them 
shall  be  able  to  overthrow,  or  overpower  thee. 
But  if  thou  continue  in  pride,  and  in  glorying  in 
thy  strength  and  thy  skill,  and  shalt  say,  "  By 
the  might  of  my  power"  have  I  established 
this  great  nation,  thy  days  ere  long  shall  be 
numbered,  and  as  Babylon,  so  shalt  thou  fall. 

1st  mo.  3d,  1863. — Another  annual  period 
has  passed,  and  while  many  are  rejoicing  at  the 
coming  in  of  a  new  year,  my  spirit  is  bowed  in 
seriousness.  In  reflecting  on  the  rapid  flight  of 
time,  bringing  us  nearer  the  end  of  all  things 
here,  the  solemn  language  was  heard  in  my 
mental  ear,  "  Set  thine  house  in  order,  for  thou 
shalt  die  and  not  live."  A  retrospect  of  my 
past  life  followed ;  and  although  for  a  long  sea- 


Rachael  Hicks.  103 

son  I  was  among  the  chief  of  sinners,  in  omis- 
sion of  a  well-known  duty  to  my  God,  and 
many  weaknesses  and  shortcomings  were  sen- 
sibly felt  as  a  consequence,  as  I  repented  and 
sought  forgiveness  for  these,  my  gracious  Crea- 
tor washed  them  away  in  the  "  blood  of  the 
Lamb,"  which  is  His  own  Divine  Spirit  brought 
forth  in  the  immortal  soul. 

In  great  loving-kindness  and  mercy  He  gave 
me  to  see,  and  to  feel,  that  as  I  gave  up  to  speak 
in  His  name  to  the  assemblies  of  the  people, 
I  had  dedicated  my  all  to  His  work  and  service  ; 
and  that  there  was  nothing  in  my  way  to  a 
mansion  of  rest,  joy,  and  peace  in  Heaven.  In 
this  state  my  immortal  spirit  would  join  not  only 
those  whom  I  had  known  and  loved  on  earth, 
but  also  the  innumerable  host  which  John  saw 
who  had  come  out  of  great  tribulation,  and  to 
whom  it  is  promised,  "  He  that  sitteth  on  the 
throne  shall  dwell  among  them,  they  shall  hun- 
ger no  more,  neither  thirst  any  more,"  but  shall 
be  led,  "  unto  living  fountains  of  water,  and 
God  will  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their  eyes." 
In  this  view  there  was  no  terror  or  fear  of 
death,  and  I  felt  that  I  might  still  pursue  my 


IO4  Memoir  of 

usual  course  of  life  in  the  things  of  this  world, 
with  the  mind  watching  unto  prayer ;  and  if 
my  Father  in  Heaven  sends  the  pale  messenger 
with  the  language,  "  Steward,  give  an  account 
of  thy  stewardship,"  I  shall  be  enabled  to  say, 
"Thy  will,  O  God!  be  done,"  if  I  hold  out  to 
the  end  in  obedience  to  Him. 

Of  latter  times  when  my  mind  was  under 
trial  and  exercises,  heavy  as  I  could  bear,  from 
a  variety  of  causes — no  doubt  permitted  for 
my  further  refinement  and  weaning  from  the 
world — a  desire  arose  that  He  who  gave  me 
life  and  being  would  take  me  to  Himself. 
Blessed  be  His  great  and  adorable  name,  He 
has  made  me  willing  to  live  and  endure  further 
conflicts,  as  well  as  willing  to  die  and  be  at 
rest.  And  now  I  am  patiently  waiting.  It  is 
an  unspeakable  favor  that  I  enjoy  in  my  lonely 
hours,  as  well  as  when  in  company  with  my 
friends,  a  consciousness  that  whatever  my  fel- 
low creatures  may  judge  or  think  of  me,  my 
soul  is  at  peace  with  my  God ;  a  sweet  peace 
that  the  world  can  neither  give  nor  take  away. 
Praises  and  alleluias  be  ever  ascribed  unto 
Him,  who  alone  can  give  it !  saith  my  spirit. 


Rachael  Hicks.  105 

5th  mo.  7th,  1864.— War  still  rages  in 
our  land.  From  its  very  commencement,  al- 
though feeling  its  awfulness,  and  deep  sympa- 
thy with  its  many  sufferers,  the  command  of 
my  Divine  Master  has  been,  "  Be  still,  and  al- 
low no  anxious  thoughts  about  the  results," 
thus  leaving  all  to  Him  who  has  power  to  say 
to  haughty  man,  "Hitherto  shalt  thou  come,  and 
no  further;  and  here  shall  thy  proud  waves  be 
stayed."  In  humble  submission  my  soul  has 
rested,  not  daring  to  put  up  a  petition  for  one 
party  or  the  other,  any  further  than  that  the 
eyes  of  all  may  be  opened  to  see  the  glory  and 
excellency  of  the  religion  which  He  came  to 
promulgate,  whose  birth  was  proclaimed  by  the 
anthem  of  "  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and 
on  earth  peace,  good-will  to  men."  But  for 
the  past  few  days  I  have  felt  the  spirit  of  pray- 
er, and  to-day  I  retired  to  my  chamber,  and  on 
the  bended  knee  put  up  the  petition  that  He 
who  has  the  power  would  give  wisdom  to  the 
leaders  of  the  North,  that  they  may  so  move 
and  manage  as  to  bring  to  a  close  this  frat- 
ricidal war  and  strife. 

My  spirit  is  clothed  in  mourning  as  I  feel  it 


io6  Memoir  of 

to  be  a  solemn  truth  that  we  as  a  people,  raised 
up  by  the  power  of  the  Most  High  to  show  to 
the  world  the  sufficiency  of  the  Divine  Spirit 
in  man  to  do  away  with  all  sin  and  oppression, 
have  not  so  dwelt  under  His  teachings  as  a 
united  whole  as  to  be  instruments  in  carrying 
the  work  of  emancipation  to  the  slave  to  a  final 
issue  in  the  spirit  of  love  and  peace.  But  we 
have  in  a  great  degree  settled  down  in  our 
ceiled  houses,  while  those  who  have  been  ac- 
tively engaged  in  the  cause  have  taken  rea- 
son as  a  sufficient  guide  and  have  failed  to 
accomplish  the  work.  Hence  the  sword  has 
been  taken  up,  and  it  appears  that  that  will 
be  done  in  judgment  which  would  otherwise 
have  been  done  in  mercy  without  the  shedding 
of  blood,  had  all  waited  for  qualification  and 
command  from  the  Most  High.  Do  we  not 
see  that  this  iniquitous  institution  has  pro- 
duced its  legitimate  results  ?  That  through 
the  exercise  of  authority  over  the  slave  by  the 
slaveholder,  a  desire  has  been  begotten  amongst 
them  as  a  people  to  take  the  reins  of  govern- 
ment in  their  own  hands  and  rule  the  whole 
nation  ;  thus  perpetuating  slavery  and  extend- 


Rachael  Hicks.  107 

ing  it  into  the  Territories  of  this  country?  But 
in  the  counsels  of  Infinite  Wisdom  the  means 
taken  to  perpetuate  this  great  evil  have  proved 
the  means  of  its  downfall.  I  fully  believe  that 
President  Lincoln  felt  it  to  be  his  duty  to  God  to 
make  the  proclamation  of  emancipation  to  the 
millions  of  slaves  in  the  Southern  States,  and 
that  those  who  held  them  in  bondage  had  to  real- 
ize in  their  own  experience  the  truth  declared 
by  the  Lord's  prophet  formerly,  to  a  transgress- 
ing people,  "Thine  own  wickedness  shall  correct 
thee,  and  thy  backslidings  shall  reprove  thee." 

Many  have  rejoiced  and  do  rejoice  that  the 
inhabitants  of  our  nation  can  no  longer  make 
merchandise  of  their  fellow-man,  and  for  this 
may  we  render  unto  Thee,  O  holy  Father,  the 
tribute  of  thanksgiving  and  praise,  for  the  work 
is  Thine,  the  power  is  Thine,  to  turn  the  hearts 
of  the  children  of  men,  therefore  the  praise  is 
ever  Thy  due. 

Closely  allied  to  our  testimony  to  peace  do  I 
feel  that  to  be  of  a  free  gospel  ministry ;  and  my 
petition  ascends  in  deep  humility  to  the  Lord 
of  Hosts,  that  He  will  open  the  eyes  of  the  in- 
habitants of  this  land,  that  they  may  see  that 


io8  Memoir  of 

He  will  teach  the  people  Himself,  by  His  own 
spirit,  which  He  has  brought  forth  in  every  soul ; 
and  that  He  will  give  them  to  see  that  this  is 
His  only  begotten  Son,  the  Saviour  to  all  who 

x 

are  obedient  to  its  teachings. 

This  it  is  which  leads  and  guides  into  all 
truth,  and  preserves  from  all  error,  and  enables 
those  who  are  its  subjects  to  worship  the  Father 
in  spirit  and  in  truth,  as  Jesus  Christ  testified 
was  acceptable  unto  Him.  It  is  by  this  power 
only  that  mankind  can  be  preserved  from  the 
influence  of  a  mercenary  priesthood,  through 
the  agency  of  which  we  fear  the  minds  of  the 
people  will  be  turned  away  from  a  full  depend- 
ence upon  the  Spirit  of  Truth.  Those  of  this 
class  who  depend  alone  upon  what  they  learn  by 
study  of  books  to  qualify  them  to  preach  to  the 
people,  and  gain  a  livelihood  thereby,  gaining 
an  influence  and  ascendency  over  their  minds, 
may  gradually  take  hold  of  the  reins  of  civil 
government,  and  lay  burdens  heavy  to  bear. 
The  people  being  thus  sorely  oppressed,  their 
sighing  and  crying  will  ascend  unto  their  Father 
in  Heaven  for  relief,  and  only  through  suffering, 
as  in  the  Reformation  after  the  Dark  Ages,  will 


Rachael  Hicks.  109 

the  devoted  children  of  the  Lord  be  relieved 
from  the  requisitions  they  for  conscience'  sake 
cannot  comply  with.  Thus  by  the  mighty 
power  of  Jehovah,  a  people  may  again  be  raised 
up,  uniting  with  the  few  who  through  all  have 
been  faithful,  bearing  the  same  testimonies 
which  Friends  have  borne  to  the  world  for 
more  than  two  centuries. 


no  Memoir  'of 


CHAPTER  IX. 

1864  TO    1867. 

Minutes  to  attend  Genesee  Yearly  Meeting,  the  Meetings 
constituting  New  York  Yearly  Meeting,  and  to  visit  the 
Families  of  Amawalk  and  Chappaqua — Minute  to  attend 
Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting  and  its  Subordinate  Meet- 
ings— Reflections  upon  the  Work  of  the  Ministry — Ac- 
knowledgment of  Divine  favor. 

HAVING  been  permitted  for  several  years  to 
remain  mostly  at  home,  for  which  favor  I  felt 
thankful,  in  the  spring  of  1864,  a  concern  re- 
vived in  my  mind  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing of  Genesee,  to  be  held  in  Canada,  and  a  few 
meetings  belonging  to  it.  A  Minute  of  concur- 
rence from  our  Monthly  Meeting  having  been 
obtained,  accompanied  by  my  dear  friend  Mary 
Jane  Field,  I  went  first  to  Scipio,  and  attended 
several  meetings  there,  thence  to  Picker- 
ing, Canada-West,  where  we  made  our  home 
with  our  kind  friends  Nicholas  and  Margaret 
Brown.  Except  in  the  public  meetings,  it  was 


Rachael  Hicks.  1 1 1 

not  a  season  of  great  abounding  in  Heavenly 
influence;  for  want  of  that  deep  indwelling  of 
Spirit,  in  which  only  our  Heavenly  Father  con- 
descends to  favor  the  mind  with  the  incomes  of 
His  love  and'solemnizing  presence.  There  is  a 
small  remnant  of  devoted  servants  there,  as  in 
most  other  places  where  our  meetings  are  held. 
7th  mo.,  1864. — I  obtained  a  Minute  of  our 
Monthly  Meeting  setting  me  at  liberty  to  visit 
the  meetings  constituting  our  Yearly  Meeting, 
and  also  to  visit  the  families  of  Amawalk  and 
Chappaqua.  Friends  judged  it  best  for  me  and 
my  dear  young  friend  Phebe  Anna  Thorne,  to 
proceed  without  a  private  conveyance  or  other 
companion  being  provided  from  home,  but  to 
depend  upon  public  conveyances  and  the  kind- 
ness of  Friends  to  be  helped  on  our  way.  This 
increased  the  burden  of  exercise  which  weighed 
heavily  on  my  mind.  In  the  prospect  of  so 
great  an  undertaking,  I  was  ready  at  times  to 
ask  of  my  Heavenly  Father  to  lay  the  burden 
upon  another,  younger  and  better  qualified  than 
myself.  But  as  no  excuse  I  could  plead  re- 
leased me,  under  a  sense  of  His  love,  wisdom 
and  power,  all  within  me  bowed  in  submission 


ii2  Memoir  of 

to  do,  to  bear,  and  to  suffer,  whatever  He 
might  permit  to  come  upon  me,  so  that  I  might 
'  finish  my  course  with  joy,  and  the  ministry 
given  me  to  testify  of  the  grace  of  God.'  In 
this  bowedness  of  spirit  the  language  of  my 
Divine  Master  was,  "  Go,  and  I  will  be  with 
thee  ;  I  will  open  a  way  where  now  thou  seest 
no  way  ;  I  will  put  words  into  thy  mouth,  and 
enable  thee  to  deliver  to  the  people  the  testi- 
monies I  give  thee."  Now  that  the  work  has 
been  accomplished,  I  feel  bound  to  bear  the 
testimony  that  the  promise  has  been  fulfilled 
to  my  wonder  and  admiration.  The  minds  of 
Friends  and  others  were  opened  to  receive  us, 
and  take  us  from  place  to  place,  so  that  there 
was  no  difficulty  or  detention  worth  naming. 
"Often  did  the  language  arise,  "  This  is  the 
Lord's  doing  and  it  is  marvelous  in  our  eyes." 
Blessed,  forever  blessed,  be  His  great  and 
adorable  name,  saith  all  within  me  capable  of 
feeling,  in  that  He  not  only  strengthened  me 
to  perform  the  journey,  but  also,  that  I  am 
now  permitted  to  sit  by  my  own  fireside,  in 
that  sweet  peace  of  mind  which  the  world  can 
neither  given  nor  take  away. 


Rachael  Hicks.  113 

4th  mo.,  1865. — Often  in  taking  a  view  of 
the  foregoing  journey,  my  spirit  is  clothed  in 
mourning,  in  having  to  see  that  a  number  of 
meetings  throughout  the  Society  have  been 
discontinued  ;  most  of  those  that  remain  are 
small,  and  if  there  is  not  a  revival  of  concern 
and  dedication  to  our  Divine  Master,  others 
must  ere  long  follow,  which  is  sorrowful  to  re- 
flect upon.  I  fully  believe  that  the  Society  of 
Friends  was  raised  up  to  show  by  example  and 
by  precept,  the  sufficiency  of  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  which  we  profess  to  be  led  and 
governed  by — the  foundation  God  himself  has 
laid  for  the  members  of  His  Church  to  stand 
upon  ;  and  that  the  principles  emanating  from 
this  Divine  source  are  indispensable  for  the  well- 
being  of  the  whole  human  family.  It  is  sor- 
rowful, that  a  people  thus  enlightened  should 
fall  away  and  be  no  more  known  as  an  organ- 
ized body.  There  are  living  members  still  pre- 
served, scattered  here  and  there,  as  "  one  of  a 
city  and  two  of  a  family,"  and  the  prayer  oft 
arises  in  my  heart  for  the  preservation  of  these, 
and  that  by  the  mighty  power  of  Jehovah, 
other  faithful  standard-bearers  and  laborers 


U4  Memoir  of 

may  be  raised  up,  and  the  command  given, 
"  Go  and  proclaim  the  glad  tidings  of  the  ever- 
lasting gospel  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  ;  " 
bearing  witness  to  the  truth,  that  God  will 
teach  His  people  Himself  by  His  own  spirit  in 
the  soul  of  man,  and  to  those  who  obey  Him, 
He  will  give  strength  to  resist  every  tempta- 
tion that  assails  them,  and  thus  they  will  be 
preserved  from  sin  and  its  awful  consequences 
— a  plain,  simple,  but  all-powerful  way  to  rest 
and  peace  here  and  hereafter.  Blessed  and 
praised  be  His  great  and  adorable  name,  for 
He  is  everlastingly  worthy! 

4th  mo.,  1865. — Under  a  weight  of  religious 
concern,  I  asked  of  our  Monthly  Meeting  its 
judgment  relative  to  my  attending  the  Yearly 
Meeting  of  Philadelphia  and  the  meetings  com- 
posing it.  They  gave  me  a  Minute  of  unity 
which  was  indorsed  by  the  Quarterly  Meeting 
of  Westbury  in  the  same  month.  The  prospect 
appeared  great  and  arduous,  and  a  sense  of  my 
own  unfitness  and  unworthiness  rested  weight- 
ily upon  me,  and  although  the  spirit  was  will- 
ing, the  flesh  was  weak,  and  at  times  ready  to  cry 
out,  "  I  pray  Thee,  Oh  !  Father  in  Heaven,  ex- 


Rachael  Hicks.  \  1 5 

cuse  me,  and  lay  this  burden  upon  another  bet- 
ter qualified  than  myself." 

Seeing  no  other  way  to  obtain  that  peace 
with  Him  which  I  prize  above  all  other  con- 
siderations, I  was  made  willing  to  go,  and  spend 
and  be  spent,  as  to  the  body ;  for  by  long  ex- 
perience it  has  become  my  chiefest  joy  to  do 
the  will  of  Him  that  sent  me,  and  to  finish 
the  work  that  I  feel  required  of  me. 

Knowing  that  He  is  not  a  hard  Master,  but 
that  His  goodness  is  unbounded,  and  that  His 
tender  mercies  are  over  all  His  works,  giving 
ability  to  perform  all  that  He  requires,  I  set  out 
with  my  dear  companions,  William  T.  Cock 
and  Mary  Jane  Field,  who  were  faithful  armor- 
bearers.  By  the  help  and  kindness  of  Friends 
everywhere,  but  over  and  above  all  the  super- 
intending care,  the  aid  and  assistance  of  Him 
who  is  a  present  helper  in  the  needful  time,  the 
journey  and  visit  were  accomplished  in  about 
four  months'  absence  from  home. 

Language  cannot  portray  the  conflicts  of  the 
mind  in  and  under  the  preparation  for  the  work 
of  the  ministry  !  To  feel  the  abasedness  of  self 
so  as  to  become  an  empty  vessel,  to  sit  down  and 


1 1 6  Memoir  of 

look  over  an  assembly  that  is  expecting  a  com- 
munication, and  to  feel  that  we  have  not  a  word 
to  say  ;  that  we  have  nothing  to  feed  upon  our- 
selves, much  less  anything  to  offer  to  others  ! 
None  but  those  who  know  in  their  own  ex- 
perience, can  realize  the  humiliation  of  the 
creature,  nor  yet  the  wonder  and  admiration 
that  fills  the  heart,  when  in  this  emptiness  a 
passage  of  Scripture,  or  a  sentence  arises  in  the 
mind  with  a  command,  "  Rise  and  utter  it,  and 
I  will  be  with  thee."  Then  the  language  of  my 
heart  ever  has  been,  "  The  work  is  Thine,  Oh 
Father ;  strengthen  me  to  perform  it,  and  let  Thy 
will  be  done."  Although  the  creature  shrinks 
with  fear  that  the  subject  opening  in  the  mind 
could  not  be  explained  by  me  to  the  honor  of 
the  principles  we  profess,  but  keeping  the  faith 
in  Him  who  puts  forth  His  little  ones  and  goes 
before  them,  I  have  been  enabled  to  relieve  my 
mind,  and  thus  feel  acquitted  in  the  Divine 
sight ;  and  I  have  generally  felt  that  a  solemnity 
covered  many  minds,  if  not  the  whole  assembly. 
So  wonderful  to  myself  has  it  often  seemed  that 
words  and  matter  which  I  had  not  seen  when  I 
rose  upon  my  feet,  have  flowed  as  fast  as  I  could 


Rachael  Hicks.  117 

give  utterance,  that  I  now  feel  bound  to  record 
it  for  the  encouragement  of  some  little,  hum- 
ble tried  one  who  may  come  after  me,  and  read 
this  testimony  which  I  bear  to  the  goodness, 
wisdom,  and  power  of  Him  who  created  us  for 
His  glory  and  our  own  happiness. 

Be  not  afraid  to  cast  thy  whole  care  upon 
Him,  but  make  a  full  surrender  of  thyself, 
body,  soul,  and  spirit,  to  His  direction.  What- 
ever in  thy  own  mind  thou  feelest  He  requires 
of  thee,  give  up  to,  and  perform,  and  He  will 
be  thy  "  exceeding  great  reward."  My  heart 
overflows  with  gratitude,  praises,  and  thanks- 
giving to  Him  who  sits  upon  the  throne  of  His 
majesty,  and  is  everlastingly  worthy  ! 

In  the  retrospect  of  this  journey,  I  feel  that, 
although  in  this  Yearly  Meeting  as  in  others, 
there  is  much  cause  for  mourning  and  lamen- 
tation, because  the  love  of  many  for  our  prin- 
ciples and  testimonies  seems  to  have  become 
cold  and  indifferent,  yet  there  is  also  cause  for 
humble  gratitude  to  the  Great  Head  of  the 
Church,  that  many  are  still  preserved  on  the 
foundation  upon  which  Christ  said  His  Church 
was  built,  proving  that  the  truth  is  strongest 


1 1 8  Memoir  of 

and  will  stand  and  prevail.  The  building  of 
those  who  thought  they  had  found  a  better 
way  to  reform  mankind,  is  seen  by  many  to 
have  no  foundation  that  is  firm  and  solid, 
and  therefore  they  are  returning  to  the  ever- 
lasting Truth,  as  testified  of  by  the  Holy  Je- 
sus, which  leads  into  all  truth,  and  out  of  all 
error.  Some  of  the  young  see  this,  and  give 
evidence  that  they  are  bending  their  necks  to 
the  yoke  of  the  cross,  and  if  they  continue  in 
faithfulness,  a  band  of  valiants  will  be  raised 
up  to  bear  testimony  that  there  is  no  new  way 
to  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven,  but  that  it  is  the 
same  that  the  righteous  have  trodden  in  all 
ages — obedience  to  the  will  of  God  manifested 
in  their  own  souls. 

6th  mo.  26th,  1866. — I  feel  constrained  again 
and  again  to  commemorate  the  goodness  and 
loving-kindness  of  our  God,  who  is  "  great  and 
marvelous  "  in  all  His  works,  "just  and  true  " 
in  all  His  ways.  Our  own  good  and  His  glory 
require  of  us  full  and  entire  dedication  unto 
Him  wheresoever  He  may  lead,  and  a  faithful 
performance  of  all  that  He  demands ;  then  He 
will  bless  us  and  multiply  His  blessings  upon 


Rachael  Hicks.  119 

us  without  number.  O  my  soul!  thou  knowest 
this  right  well  !  In  deep  abasedness  of  my 
creaturely  spirit  and  will,  I  have  followed  Him 
in  various  parts  of  His  vineyard  to  testify 
of  His  tender  mercies  to  all  the  workmanship 
of  His  hands,  especially  to  man,  the  noblest  of 
all  His  works. 

In  mercy  I  am  now  permitted  peacefully  for 
a  season,  to  remain  at  home,  although  my 
mind  is  oft  carried  back  to  many  for  whom 
of  late  a  deep  solicitude  was  felt  when  min- 
gling with  them  outwardly ;  and  my  prayers 
are  put  up  for  their  preservation  and  dedica- 
tion to  the  Lord's  work  and  service,  believing 
"  the  harvest  truly  is  great,  but  the  laborers 
are  few."  Oh !  that  a  band  of  faithful  laborers 
might  be  raised  up  by  the  mighty  power  of 
Jehovah,  and  our  meetings  all  held  in  the 
authority  of  Truth  !  There  would  then  be  a 
flocking  to  us  of  those  who  are  seeking  rest  to 
their  souls,  and  the  bread  of  life  to  nourish  and 
sustain  them,  who  find  it  not  in  forms  and  cer- 
emonies, and  a  studied  lifeless  ministry. 

If  the  Society  of  Friends  wane  away,  un- 
doubtedly another  people  will  be  raised  up 


I2O  Memoir  of 

upon  the  same  foundation  on  which  the  liv- 
ing members  of  the  Church  of  Christ  have  ever 
stood — the  "  Spirit  of  Truth  "  the  revealed  will, 
the  power  and  wisdom  of  God  in  the  soul  of 
man.  The  Lord  Almighty  will  have  a  people 
as  witness  to  His  power  and  goodness,  both 
by  example  and  precept  saying  unto  others, 
"  Come  ye  and  let  us  go  up  to  the  mountain 
of  the  Lord,  to  the  house  of  the  God  of  Ja- 
cob, and  He  will  teach  us  of  His  ways,  and  we 
will  walk  in  His  paths."  In  righteousness  shall 
these  be  established,  ascribing  "  Glory  to  God 
in  the  Highest !  and  on  earth  peace,  good  will 
toward  men."  Then  would  the  nations  cease 
to  learn  war  any  more. 

7th  mo.  3Oth,  1866. — Being  about  to  leave 
home  for  a  short  time,  and  as  there  have  been 
many  sudden  deaths  lately,  it  feels  to  me  to  be 
a  solemn  season,  and  a  loud  call  to  be  extended, 
"  Be  ye  also  ready."  I  have  oft  put  up  the 
prayer,  Search  me,  O  Lord,  and  if  there  be 
anything  in  me  not  well  pleasing  in  Thy  sight, 
do  Thou  it  away  ;  and  again  and  again  the  re- 
sponding language  in  my  heart  is  and  has  been, 
"  There  is  nothing  in  thy  way  to  the  mansion 


Rachael  Hicks.  121 

in  the  Divine  Father's  house  prepared  for  thee, 
if  thou  hold  out  to  the  end  in  watchfulness  and 
obedience  to  His  requisitions."  I  feel  drawn 
to  leave  this  record  for  my  friends  who  survive, 
should  I  never  return  to  my  home  on  earth. 
Peace,  sweet  peace,  covers  my  spirit  while  I 
write  to  encourage  all  to  follow  Christ  inwardly 
manifested,  as  I  have  endeavored  to  follow  His 
monitions.  The  reward  is  beyond  the  power 
of  human  language  to  portray.  This  my  soul 
knoweth  right  well.  Blessed,  forever  blessed 
be  the  name  of  God  ! 

2d  mo.  3d,  1867. — Once  more  I  take  the 
pen  to  commemorate  the  wonderful  goodness, 
loving-kindness,  and  mercy  of  our  God.  Oft 
day  by  day  my  soul  bows  in  solemn  reverence 
before  His  majesty,  acknowledging  His  al- 
mightiness.  Feeling  it  is  our  interest  and  our 
duty  to  serve  and  worship  Him,  my  prayers  are 
put  up  to  Him  before  I  rise  from  my  pillow, 
and  often  through  the  day,  to  preserve  me  from 
every  evil  feeling,  thought,  word,  or  action  ; 
that  my  outward  deportment  may  show  forth 
the  sufficiency  of  His  grace  in  the  heart,  and 
my  soul  be  favored  with  peace  by  the  incomes 


122  Memoir  of 

of  His  love,  and  by  the  feeling  of  acceptance 
with  Him.  Oh  !  blessed  be  His  name  !  in  deep 
humility  and  gratitude  I  record  it,  He  oft  gives 
me  to  feel  there  is  not  anything  recorded 
against  me  in  the  Lamb's  Book  of  Life.  Here 
my  soul  rests  in  Him,  although  not  always  fa- 
vored with  the  sense  of  His  approving  pres- 
ence ;  but  I  have  learned  patiently  to  wait  until 
He  sees  meet  to  return  with  joy  unspeakable. 


Rachael  Hicks.  123 

CHAPTER  X. 

1867  TO   iS/O. 

Visits  some  of  the  Subordinate  Meetings  of  New  York 
Yearly  Meeting,  as  one  of  a  Committee  appointed  to  that 
Service. 

9TH  mo.  I3th,  1867. — Our  late  Yearly  Meet- 
ing having  been  brought  under  a  deep  concern — 
on  account  of  continued  reports  in  the  answers 
to  the  queries  of  omission  in  many  of  our  mem- 
bers, of  steadily  attending  our  religious  meet- 
ings— appointed  a  committee  to  visit  the  subor- 
dinate meetings,  as  way  opened  in  the  Truth,  to 
encourage  the  performance  of  this  reasonable 
duty.  Being  one  of  the  committee,  and  feel- 
ing a  concern  to  attend  the  meetings  compos- 
ing Stanford  Quarterly  Meeting,  in  company 
with  several  appointed  to  this  weighty  service, 
I  performed  the  visit,  and  also  attended  some 
meetings  in  Nine  Partners  Quarter,  and  within 
the  verge  of  our  own.  We  found  many  of  them 
very  small,  although  they  were  in  former  days 


124  Memoir  of 

nearly  all  large,  and  held  in  a  good  degree  in 
the  authority  of  Truth.  They  have  now  dwin- 
dled down  ;  but  we  were  informed  that  there  are 
members  sufficient  to  keep  up  a  good  meeting, 
if  all  would  attend  under  a  religious  concern  to 
worship  in  spirit  and  in  Truth,  Him  to  whom 
reverence  and  worship  are  ever  due.  The  right- 
ly concerned  were  grieved  to  see  and  feel  the 
great  indifference  thus  manifested  by  our  fellow 
professors,  and  the  consequent  decline  of  our 
Society,  for  if  we  cease  to  be  a  people  uphold- 
ing the  great  and  important  testimonies  given 
us  to  bear,  it  will  be  a  sad  loss  to  the  world. 

At  seasons  I  feel  encouraged  in  the  belief  that 
there  are  still  living  members  of  the  Church  of 
Christ  amongst  us,  in  the  various  meetings  still 
kept  up;  and  that  He  who  oft  works  by  instru- 
ments, as  well  as  immediately  by  His  own 
Spirit,  will  continue  to  raise  up  standard-bear- 
ers to  the  eternal  principles  of  the  pure,  unde- 
nted religion  His  son  Jesus  Christ  came  into 
the  world  to  testify  of,  although  we,  as  an  or- 
ganized body,  wane  away. 

3d  mo.  4th,  1868. — This  day  in  our  Monthly 
Meeting,  feeling  that  my  peace  with  my  Heav- 


Rachael  Hicks.  125 

enly  Father  consisted  in  obedience  to  the  re- 
quisition, I  arose  on  my  feet,  and  gave  utter- 
ance to  a  burden  of  concern  that  had  long  laid 
weightily  upon  my  mind. 

I  have  observed  an  increase  of  departure 
from  plainness,  simplicity  and  moderation  in 
our  dress,  deportment  and  manner  of  living, 
etc.,  etc.  Some  of  our  youth  attend  various 
places  of  amusement,  and  there  is  a  pleading  for 
these  indulgences  by  many  parents,  and  also 
by  those  of  riper  years ;  evidences  of  decline 
for  which  my  soul  was  grieved.  Apprehending 
that  not  a  few  of  those  I  dearly  loved  would 
turn  from  me  in  disunity,  it  felt  to  me  like  be- 
ing nailed  to  the  cross,  to  speak  thus  plainly, 
in  bearing  my  testimony  against  these  vain  and 
hurtful  indulgences  of  human  nature,  the  con- 
sequence of  which,  if  persisted  in,  must  ere 
long  be  sad  and  sorrowful.  To  be  clear  of  these, 
and  to  stand  acquitted  in  the  Divine  sight,  I 
arose  and  delivered  all  that  I  believed  was  giv- 
en me  to  say,  having  been  made  willing  to  en- 
dure anything  my  fellow  creatures  could  inflict, 
rather  than  give  up  my  peace  with  my  God. 
Under  these  exercises  I  could  see  and  feel 


126  Memoir  of 

why  the  holy  Jesus  could  go  to  crucifixion,  the 
martyrs  to  the  stake,  or  to  the  gallows,  and  to 
prison  or  to  the  loathsome  dungeon  ;  because  in 
submission,  all  these  could  say,  as  the  Divine 
Master  did,  "  Oh  my  Father,  if  this  cup  may  not 
pass  away  from  me  except  I  drink  it,  Thy  will 
be  done."  In  this  state  there  was  and  ever  is 
that  sweet  heavenly  peace  the  world  with  all  its 
treasures  and  pleasures  never  can  give,  nor  its 
temptations  and  allurements  take  away.  In  a 
measure  of  this  peace,  which  satisfies  my  soul, 
I  took  my  seat,  and  now  record  this  day's  ex- 
perience for  the  encouragement  of  some  deeply 
tried  mind  that  may  read  this,  my  testimony  to 
to  the  goodness  and  loving-kindness  of  Him 
who  is  calling  us  to  come  unto  Him,  and  He 
will  give  rest  to  our  souls.  Blessed  be  his 
name ! 

6th  mo.  6th,  1869. — Our  late  Yearly  Meeting 
was  a  season  of  encouragement  to  my  mind, 
and  I  trust  also  to  many  others.  We  had 
abundant  evidence,  amid  all  our  short-com- 
ings, that  we  are  not  a  forsaken  people,  but 
that  our  Divine  Father  is  still  in  our  midst, 
solemnizing  and  uniting  our  spirits  in  a  harmo- 


Rachael  Hicks.  127 

nious  labor  for  the  preservation  of  our  religious 
Society  on  the  basis  upon  which  it  was  origi- 
nally established — which  was  the  wisdom  and 
power  of  God,  which  will  ever  stand,  though 
all  men  forsake  it.  The  principles  emanating 
from  this  being  immutable,  as  we  live  and  move 
under  its  influence,  we  live  righteous,  holy 
lives ;  dealing  justly,  loving  mercy,  and  walk- 
ing humbly  before  God,  and  our  influence  tends 
to  draw  others  to  the  high  and  holy  way. 

Although  to  human  nature  it  seems  strait,  and 
too  narrow,  yet  many  have  left  on  record,  and 
not  a  few  now  know  in  their  own  experience, 
that  it  leads  to  sweet  peace  here  on  earth,  and 
the  promise  of  joy  unspeakable  in  the  world  to 
come.  Hence  we  ardently  desire  the  continu- 
ation of  our  religious  Society  upon  its  original 
foundation — the  spirit  of  Truth  in  the  soul. 
Every  soul  that  is  obedient  to  its  teachings  is 
led  into  a  course  of  life  which  is  the  most  con- 
ducive to  real  happiness,  and  all  the  enjoyment 
man  has  a  right  to  look  for  in  this  state  of  trial 
and  probation.  In  the  bereavements  and  afflic- 
tions that  our  Father  in  Heaven  sees  best  to 
permit  to  come  upon  us  to  wean  us  from  this 


128  Memoir  of 

lower  world,  He  is  our  comforter  and  our  staff 
to  lean  upon,  and  we  can  say  with  the  Psalmist, 
in  addressing  the  Most  High,  "  Thou  art  my 
hiding  place,  and  my  shield." 

I  believe,  under  these  views  and  feelings,  our 
Yearly  Meeting  two  years  ago  appointed  a 
committee  to  visit  our  subordinate  meetings^ 
which  was  continued  until  our  late  Yearly 
Meeting,  when  it  was  released.  By  its  mem- 
bers nearly  all  the  meetings,  and  some  fami- 
lies, were  visited.  Whether  any  good  will  re- 
sult from  these  labors  may  not  be  best  for  us 
to  know ;  but  they  who  have  performed  what 
they  believed  their  Divine  Master  required  of 
them  feel  acquitted  in  His  sight,  and  expe- 
rience that  "  peace  of  God  which  passeth  all 
understanding."  I  write  this  as  the  testi- 
mony of  some,  and  it  is  what  I  realized  in 
my  own  experience,  as  in  company  with  my 
dear  companions,  Robert  R.  Willetsand  Phebe 
Anna  Thorne,  I  attended  the  Quarterly  Meet- 
ings of  Saratoga,  Easton,  and  Duanesburg,  and 
all  the  meetings  composing  the  latter.  We 
also  visited  the  eight  families  of  our  members 
in  Peru,  and  a  few  at  Granville ;  at  the  last  two 


Rachel  Hicks.  129 

places  Andrew  Borland  was  with  us.  In  Peru 
we  had  two  meetings  appointed  on  Firstday. 
In  the  morning  at  Friends'  Meeting  House, 
and  in  the  afternoon  at  a  Presbyterian  House 
in  Peru  village,  which  was  well  attended  by 
those  not  members  with  us,  but  who,  as  we 
were  told,  were  desirous  to  attend  a  Friends' 
Meeting ;  a  fact  which  is  among  the  evidences 
we  have  that  many  around  us  sorrow  to  see  our 
meetings  decline. 

Oh !  then,  it  is  the  prayer  of  my  spirit  that 
we  may  be  aroused  and  cry  mightily  to  our 
Creator  to  save  us  upon  the  foundation  that 
Jesus  Christ  said  his  Church  was  built  upon, 
and  that  He  will  raise  up  testimony  bearers  by 
His  own  power,  and  send  them  to  labor  in 
His  vineyard.  The  response  to  this  interces- 
sion oft  has  been  :  "  If  obedience  to  His  will 
manifested  in  the  soul  were  faithfully  attended 
to,  many  would  be  raised  up  to  tell  unto  others 
what  the  Almighty  has  done  for  their  souls," 
ascribing  all  praise  and  thanksgiving  to  Him 
who  sends  forth  and  goes  before,  and  with  His 
little  dependent  ones.  Blessed  be  His  name 
forever  and  ever. 
9 


130  Memoir  of 


CHAPTER  XL 

1867  TO   1873. 

Acknowledgment  of  Divine  Favor — Obtains  a  Minute  to  at- 
tend all  the  Yearly  Meetings  with  which  we  are  in 
Unity — Attends  Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting — Also  the 
Yearly  Meetings  of  Ohio,  Indiana,  and  Baltimore,  and 
the  remote  Meetings  in  Illinois  and  Iowa — Attends  Gene- 
see  Yearly  Meeting — Retrospect  of  the  Service. 

7TH  mo.  loth,  1870. — Since  the  committee 
appointed  by  our  Yearly  Meeting  in  1867,  was 
released,  I  have  been  permitted  by  the  wisdom 
and  condescension  of  my  Heavenly  Father,  to 
remain  at  home,  feeling  that  my  day's  work 
was  nearly  accomplished  in  going  to  and  fro  in 
the  earth,  and  that  my  labor  and  exercises 
henceforth  are  to  be  mostly  at  and  about  home, 
for  which  favor  thankfulness  oft  rises  in  my 
heart  to  Him  who  clothes  my  mind  with  that 
sweet  peace  the  world  can  neither  give  nor 
take  away.  Yet  I  feel  the  necessity  of  watch- 
fulness, prayer  and  obedience  to  all  that  my 


Rachel  Hicks.  131 

Heavenly  Father  requires  of  me,  that  in  the 
evening  of  my  life  I  may  feel  and  manifest  a 
meek  and  quiet  spirit ;  that  my  sun  may  set  in 
brightness,  and  that  finally  my  immortal  spirit 
may  receive  the  crown  of  "  Well  done !  good 
and  faithful  servant !  "  I  have  long  seen  that 
greenness  in  old  age  is  one  of  the  greatest  evi- 
dences of  the  sufficiency  of  the  Spirit  of  Truth 
to  preserve  from  all  error,  and  lead  into  a  life 
of  righteousness. 

Sometimes  in  our  meetings,  of  tatter  times, 
when  I  feel  required  to  rise  and  address  an  as- 
sembly, I  am  ready  to  plead  excuses  on  account 
of  my  old  age,  but  the  language  arises,  "  If 
now  thou  disobeyest,  thy  spiritual  strength  will 
wane  away,  and  thou  wilt  be  left  poor,  and  in 
darkness."  Oh !  then,  may  I,  and  all  others 
continue  in  faithfulness,  for  it  is  the  end  that 
crowns  all.  Let  none  of  us  who  have  long 
labored  say  we  have  done  enough,  and  may 
now  rest ;  for  we  cannot  do  too  much  in  the 
cause  of  Truth  and  righteousness  to  obtain  by 
the  mercy  of  God  a  mansion  in  His  house, 
where  all  is  joy  and  peace  throughout  the  end- 
less ages  of  eternity.  Well  might  the  Psalmist 


132  Memoir  of 

repeatedly  say,  "  Praise  ye  the  Lord,"  "  Make 
a  joyful  noise  unto  the  Lord  all  ye  lands!  " 

1st  mo.  7th,  1872. — Once  more  I  take  the 
pen  to  commemorate  the  goodness  and  loving- 
kindness  of  our  God,  our  Father  in  Heaven, 
whose  tender  mercies  are  over  all  His  works. 
Gratitude  to  Him  flows  in  my  heart,  that  He 
has  in  a  great  measure  released  me  from  travel- 
ing abroad,  although  early  in  the  year  1871,  I 
felt  the  necessity  of  being  resigned  once  more 
to  attend  all  the  Yearly  Meetings  with  which 
we  are  in  unity.  In  accordance  with  these  im- 
pressions of  religious  duty  I  obtained  a  Minute 
of  our  Monthly  Meeting,  and  in  5th  mo.  at- 
tended Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting,  to  the  re- 
lief and  peace  of  my  mind,  although  I  felt  that 
I  was  one  of  the  least,  if  at  all  worthy  to  be 
called  one  of  the  flock  of  the  companions  of 
Christ,  yet  I  was  favored  to  do  all  that  I  felt 
my  Heavenly  Father  required  of  me,  and  His 
reward  is  sweet  peace.  My  companions  were 
my  dear  friends  Mary  Jane  Field  and  William 
T.  Cock. 

In  9th  and  loth  months,  having  obtained 
minutes  of  Westbury  Monthly  and  Quarterly 


Rachel  Hicks.  133 

Meetings,  with  Mary  Jane  Field  and  Edward 
Rushmore — who  were  my  kind  and  useful  com- 
panions— I  attended  the  Yearly  Meetings  of 
Ohio,  Indiana,  and  Baltimore,  and  some  of  the 
meetings  composing  them,  especially  the  re- 
mote meetings  in  Illinois  and  Iowa.  Friends 
removing  and  settling  there  feel  concerned  to 
meet  together  to  worship  the  Most  High,  and 
although  their  meetings  are  small,  they  oft 
realize  the  truth  of  the  declaration  of  Christ, 
"  Where  two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in 
my  name  there  am  I  in  the  midst  of  them,"  and 
they  feel  encouraged  to  hope  for  an  increase 
in  numbers.  Marietta,  in  Iowa,  the  most  re- 
mote meeting,  is  said  to  be  1300  miles  from 
the  city  of  New  York.  We  were  from  home 
about  ten  weeks,  attended  between  thirty  and 
forty  meetings,  besides  the  three  Yearly  Meet- 
ings. 

The  prospect  of  so  long  and  arduous  a 
journey  caused  many  conflicts  of  mind  and 
reasonings  of  the  creature.  I  was  almost  ready 
to  ask  my  Divine  Master  to  lay  the  burden  of 
exercise  upon  one  in  younger  life,  and  better 
qualified  than  myself.  All  my  reasonings  were 


134  Memoir  of 

in  vain,  and  I  clearly  saw  that  the  only  way  to 
obtain  that  peace,  which  is  above  all  price,  was 
to  be  able  to  say  "  Not  my  will,  but  Thine  O 
God  be  done,"  and  the  gracious  promise  to  me 
was  "  Go,  and  I  will  be  with  thee,  enabling  thee 
to  do  all  that  I  require  of  thee,  if  thou  continue 
to  look  to  Me  for  aid  and  guidance."  This 
promise,  now  that  the  work  is  accomplished,  I 
may  acknowledge  was  wonderfully  fulfilled,  as 
through  all,  my  mind  was  peaceful  and  quiet; 
not  desiring  great  things  for  myself,  but  willing 
to  do  the  little  required,  and  to  be  called  one 
of  the  little  ones.  Everywhere  Friends  re- 
ceived us  with  great  kindness,  doing  what  they 
could  to  help  us  on  our  way,  for  which  I  felt 
grateful  to  them,  but  more  especially  to  Him 
who,  I  believe,  put  it  into  their  hearts  to  treat 
us  thus  kindly. 

When  I  arrived  at  my  own  quiet  home,  I  was 
thankful  that  I  had  returned  in  safety,  and  now 
in  a  retrospect  of  the  journey  my  heart  is  filled 
with  sweet  peace.  I  was  ready  to  say,  "  The 
work  Thou  gavest  me  to  do  is  finished.  Why 
may  I  not  depart  to  my  rest  in  Heaven  ?  I  see 
nothing  in  my  way ;  why  may  I  not  go  and  be 


Rachel  Hicks.  135 

at  rest  ?  "  Nature  seemed  to  crave  it,  but  the 
responding  language  was,  "A  little  longer,  a 
little  longer,  must  thou  stay  in  this  lower 
world  ;  thy  day's  work  is  not  quite  accomplish- 
ed ;"  and  I  said  in  my  heart,  "Thy  will  be 
done."  Mingle  with  thy  friends,  is  the  lan- 
guage of  the  Divine  Spirit  in  my  soul  ;  mingle 
with  them  in  that  love  that  unites  and  binds 
together  in  the  bond  of  peace.  Loving  God 
above  all  and  obeying  Him,  we  are  instruments 
in  His  hand  in  spreading  the  principles  of  His 
peaceable  kingdom  amongst  men.  My  love 
flows  to  the  whole  human  family  with  desires 
for  the  salvation  of  every  soul. 

6th  mo.  2d,  1872. — Having  attended  the  late 
Genesee  Yearly  M  eeting,  held  in  Canada,  the 
prospect  that  opened  on  my  mind  some  time 
ago  to  attend  all  the  Yearly  Meetings  in  unity 
with  our  own  is  now  accomplished,  and  I  feel 
a  release  from  the  exercise.  Although  I  feel 
it  is  but  little  that  I  have  done  as  a  laborer  in 
the  Lord's  vineyard,  yet  the  language  in  my 
heart  oft  is,  "  Let  her  alone  ;  she  hath  done 
what  she  could,"  and  in  the  sweet  peace  of 
mind  I  feel,  I  can  say,  <:  It  is  enough."  In 


136  Memoir  of 

seasons  of  discouragement,  the  query  has 
arisen,  of  what  avail  are  all  these  journeyings 
to  any  besides  thyself?  But  if,  by  the  mercy 
of  God,  my  own  soul  is  saved  from  condemna- 
tion, it  is  of  more  value  than  language  can  ex- 
press. 

And  now  in  the  evening  of  life,  seeing  my 
day's  work  is  nearly  if  not  quite  accomplished 
in  going  to  and  fro  in  the  earth,  the  aspira- 
tion of  my  spirit  is  that  I  may  not  take  my 
"  flight  on  the  Sabbath  day,"  sitting  down  in 
ease  and  unconcern,  supposing  I  have  noth- 
ing more  to  do.  I  feel  that  watchfulness, 
prayer,  and  obedience  are  now  as  necessary  as 
ever,  if  I  receive  the  crown  at  the  end  of  my 
race,  the  crown  of"  Well  done,  thou  good  and 
faithful  servant,  enter  into  the  joy  of  thy 
Lord,"  and  into  thy  Master's  rest.  Surely  we 
cannot  do  too  much  to  obtain,  through  the  lov- 
ing-kindness of  our  Heavenly  Father,  this  pre- 
cious boon  to  be  enjoyed  through  a  never-end- 
ing eternity.  Even  in  this  world,  there  is  a 
sufficient  reward  in  the  sweet  peace  that  flows 
into  the  soul  of  the  humbly  dedicated  servant, 
at  times  and  seasons  when  He  sees  it  to  be  for 


Rachel  Hicks.  137 

our  benefit  thus  to  feed  us.  Blessed,  forever 
blessed,  be  His  great  and  adorable  name!  saith 
my  spirit,  for  oft  has  He  lifted  my  soul  as  out  of 
the  mire  and  thick  clay,  and  put  in  my  heart 
a  song  of  thanksgiving  and  praise,  to  Him  who 
is  everlastingly  worthy. 

I  feel  gratefully  to  say,  that  all  the  Yearly 
Meetings  which  within  the  past  year  I  have 
attended  were  seasons  of  Divine  favor — more 
so,  it  appeared  to  me,  than  at  some  former 
periods — encouraging  us  to  hold  fast  the  pro- 
fession we  make  of  being  led  and  guided  by 
the  Divine  Spirit  in  our  souls.  Thus  only  can 
we  be  instruments  in  His  power  and  wisdom  of 
gathering  others  to  the  foundation  Christ  said 
His  Church  was  built  upon,  and  to  the  Father 
shall  we  then  ascribe  all  the  glory  and  all  the 
praise :  for  without  Him  we  poor  frail  mortals 
cannot  perform  any  good  word  or  work. 


138  Memoir  of 


CHAPTER  XII. 

1873  TO    1875. 

Reflections  on  the  Nineteenth  Anniversary  of  the  Death  of 
her  Son  Abraham — Retrospect  of  her  Life  upon  entering 
her  Eighty-sixth  Year. 

.  IITH  mo.  I2th,  1873. — Nineteen  years  ago 
this  day,  my  last  and  strongest  tie  to  earth 
was  severed  in  the  death  of  my  son  Abraham, 
who  was  dearer  to  me  than  my  own  life,  as  in 
him  seemed  concentrated  all  that  passed  away 
before  him.  By  his  dedication  to  His  Divine 
Master,  his  life  was  blameless,  and  his  moral 
character  without  spot  or  blemish.  The  void 
I  have  long  felt  I  have  no  language  to  de- 
scribe, and  this  has  been  a  day  of  solemn  re- 
flection in  feeling  my  great  loss;  but  in  this, 
the  language  arises  to  my  Heavenly  Father, 
"  Thou  gavest,  and  Thou  hast  taken  away, 
blessed  be  Thy  name !  "  Through  Thy  mercy 
and  loving-kindness  I  have  now  a  family  in 


Rachel  Hicks.  139 

Heaven.  Oh !  dearest  Father !  enable  me  so 
to  live  the  remainder  of  my  mortal  life,  that  in 
the  solemn  moment  when  the  immortal  soul 
shall  stand  naked  and  bare  before  Thee,  the 
righteous  and  holy  Judge,  it  may  be  prepared 
to  receive  the  sentence  Thou  in  Thy  infinite 
wisdom  seest  meet  to  give. 

If  I  am  accepted  in  Thy  sight,  it  is  enough  for 
me,  whether  the  faculty  be  given  me  or  not  to 
recognize  those  who  have  been  near  and  dear 
to  me  in  this  life  ;  the  language  of  my  spirit  is, 
"Thy  will  be  done."  I  have  no  anxious  desire 
to  know  precisely  what  my  condition  will  be, 
having  full  confidence  in  Thy  infinite  wisdom, 
love  and  mercy.  I  feel  safe  in  Thy  hands,  in 
Thy  infinite  power,  and  that  is  my  rest  and  con- 
solation while  passing  through  this  probation- 
ary scene,  and  my  hope  for  a  never-ending 
eternity. 

Although  I  have  much  to  be  thankful  for  as  to 
outward  things — a  comfortable  home,  and  near 
relatives  who  are  kind  and  attentive  to  me, 
which  I  feel  to  be  a  great  favor — yet  the  lan- 
guage of  my  spirit  oft  is,  there  is  no  real  joy 
but  the  joy  of  God's  salvation.  I  am  thankful 


140  Memoir  of 

that  I  am  permitted  now  in  old  age  to  remain 
at  home,  in  that  sweet  peace  which  the  world 
can  neither  give  nor  take  away,  although  I 
often  mourn  over  the  evident  departure  of 
many  of  my  fellow-creatures  from  the  straight 
and  narrow  way  that  leads  to  eternal  life. 

4th  mo.  2oth,  1874. — The  lothof  this  month 
I  was  85  years  old  ;  a  long  life  it  seems  to  me, 
although  time  flies  rapidly  and  the  end  is  draw- 
ing near.  A  solemn  reflection  !  and  oft  in  a 
retrospect  of  my  life  the  query  arises,  how  far 
have  I  answered  the  design  of  my  omnipotent 
Creator,  who  created  all  mankind  for  His  own 
glory,  and  the  immortal  soul  to  be  glorified  with 
Him  hereafter  in  Heaven.  He  has  given  all 
rational  beings  the  liberty  to  choose  for  them- 
selves whether  they  will  obey  Him  in  doing 
His  will  as  He  reveals  it  to  the  soul  of  man, 
and  so  reap  of  Him  the  sweet  reward  of  peace 
of  mind  here,  and  a  well-grounded  hope  of  a 
glorious  immortality  in  the  world  to  come ;  or 
on  the  other  hand,  whether  they  will  turn  away 
from  Him  in  disobedience,  and  go  into  the 
broad  way  that  leads  to  destruction.  By  this 
latter  choice  of  mankind  comes  all  the  sin  and 


Rachel  Hicks.  141 

wickedness  that  is,  or  ever  has  been,  in  the 
world,  which  the  Lord's  servants  mourn  over  ; 
and  the  language  of  my  spirit  is  to  those  now 
on  the  stage  of  action,  who  have  thus  departed  : 
Repent  in  deep  humility ;  petition  forgiveness 
of  Him  who  receives  the  penitent,  returning 
sinner,  and  will  clothe  him  with  innocency  and 
acceptance.  It  is  testified  in  the  Scriptures  of 
Truth  that  there  is  "joy  in  Heaven"  over 
these  as  well  as  over  all  who  do  the  will  of  our 
Father  in  Heaven. 

It  is  my  desire  to  encourage  my  fellow-heirs 
of  eternity  to  say  in  sincerity  of  heart,  '  Thy  will, 
Oh  God,  be  done,  and  not  mine,'  by  example  and 
precept,  as  my  Divine  Father  has  enabled  me 
to  do ;  for  if  in  any  degree  I  have  answered  the 
end  and  design  of  my  existence,  all  glory  and 
praise  are  due  to  Him.  I  feel  myself  weak  and 
utterly  unable  to  perform  any  good  word  or 
work  without  His  aid  and  assistance.  He  has 
ever  been  a  present  helper  in  the  needful 
time  ;  when  I  have,  in  my  own  soul,  looked 
to  Him,  He  has  graciously  fulfilled  the  prom- 
ise, "  Ask  and  ye  shall  receive."  Now.  in  the 
evening  of  life,  it  is  my  fervent  desire  to  be 


142  Memoir  of 

clothed  with  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,  mani- 
festing to  those  with  whom  I  mingle  the 
sufficiency  of  the  Spirit  of  Truth,  if  obeyed, 
to  overcome  all  of  human  nature,  so  as  to 
live  a  righteous  life ;  and  I  believe  I  may 
say  that  every  morning  when  I  behold  the 
dawn  of  another  day,  my  prayer  is  put  up  to 
Omnipotence  to  preserve  me  from  every  feel- 
ing, thought,  word  or  action  contrary  to  His 
holy  will  and  wisdom,  and  when  I  retire  to  my 
rest  at  night  I  am  concerned  to  feel  how  I 
stand  in  His  sight,  who  sees  the  innermost  re- 
cesses of  the  heart.  Blessed  be  His  name!  in 
deep  humility,  I  record  it,  the  language  is, 
"  There  is  not  anything  recorded  against  thee 
in  the  Lamb's  Book  of  Life."  Then,  oh  !  then, 
I  close  my  eyes  in  faith  that  if  I  "  die  before  I 
wake,"  my  soul  is  safe  in  Him  who  is  all  good- 
ness, love  and  mercy. 

8th  mo.  23d,  1874. — This  day  our  meeting 
was  larger  than  usual,  many  not  members  of 
our  Society  being  there.  I  felt  there  was  a 
great  desire  to  hear  vocal  communication  ;  and, 
although  the  fervent  desire  of  my  spirit  was 
that  all  might  be  favored  to  feel  the  solemniz- 


Rachel  Hicks.  143 

ing  power  and  presence  of  Him  whom  we  pro- 
fess to  worship,  I  dared  not  rise  to  address 
them  unless  I  felt  that  "  Woe  is  unto  me  "  if  I 
do  not  testify  unto  them  of  the  Gospel,  which 
is  the  power  and  wisdom  of  God  unto  salva- 
tion. But,  not  feeling  this,  I  was  favored  to  sit 
in  silence ;  although  the  desire  to  gratify  the 
assembly  seemed  like  a  temptation  to  attempt 
to  speak,  as  several  passages  of  Scripture  were 
brought  to  my  remembrance ;  but  not  feeling 
the  command,  "  Rise  and  I  will  be  with  thee, 
and  qualify  thee  for  the  service  I  require  of 
thee,"  I  kept  my  seat  in  silence,  for  which  I 
feel  humbly  thankful. 

And  now  a  word  of  exhortation  rises  in  my 
heart  to  all  ministers,  to  be  watchful  and  care- 
ful to  guard  against  the  desire  to  gratify  those 
who  are  looking  for  words  from  their  fellow 
creatures.  Better  for  these  to  go  empty  away, 
than  to  be  fed  by  the  ministration  of  those  who 
move  in  their  own  wills  and  human  judgment 
and  qualification  ;  for  these  cannot  preach  the 
Gospel,  nor  gather  to  the  Gospel.  Therefore, 
let  all  who  look  to  mortal  man  learn  in  their 
own  experience  the  necessity  of  looking  to  Him 


144  Memoir  of 

who  sees  the  heart,  and  of  relying  upon  Him, 
who  in  His  own  time  will  give  that  spiritual 
food  which  nourishes  the  soul  unto  eternal  life. 
These  being  obedient  to  God  and  His  requir- 
ings  in  the  secret  of  their  souls,  feeling  bound 
together  in  the  heavenly  relationship  of 
brethren,  will  love  to  meet  to  worship  the 
Father  in  spirit  and  in  Truth,  alt  hough  they 
may  sit  in  solemn  silence,  waiting  on  the 
Lord. 

If  any  one  is  required  to  speak  in  His  name, 
it  will  be  to  the  edification  of  the  assembly 
and  the  peace  of  mind  of  the  speaker.  O 
then,  saith  my  spirit,  that  all  of  every  age  may 
be  faithfully  obedient  to  Him,  who  created 
them  to  glorify  Him  while  here  on  earth,  and 
the  soul  to  be  glorified  with  Him  hereafter 
in  Heaven.  Then  our  meetings  would  be 
held  in  the  authority  of  Truth,  and  many 
would  be  gathered  to  us  who  are  longing  for 
that  spiritual  bread  that  comes  from  our 
Father  in  Heaven,  who  is  worthy  of  all  wor- 
ship, adoration  and  praise,  now  and  forever 
more. 

1 1 th  mo. /th,  1874. — A  few  days  ago  I   at- 


Rachel  Hicks. 


tended  the  funeral  in  our  meeting-house  *  of  a 
child  three  years  of  age  ;  and,  from  the  manner 
in  which  the  information  was  given  me,  I 
thought  it  belonged  to  the  Orthodox  part  of 
the  Society  of  Friends.  But,  seeing  no  one  in 
the  gallery,  the  query  arose  in  my  mind,  "  Have 
I  any  testimony  to  bear  to  the  assembly?" 
(which  appeared  to  be  mostly  of  that  sect). 

The  response  was,  God  is  a  God  of  order,  and 
every  sect  and  denomination  of  religious  pro- 
fessors has  a  right  to  conduct  its  meetings  and 
funerals  in  its  own  way,  and  others  have  no 
right  to  interfere  without  asking  permission, 
or  being  informed  that  liberty  is  granted  ;  as 
in  several  instances  I  have  known  in  my  own 
experience.  But  nothing  of  this  now  occurred, 
and  although  I  felt  that  some  expression  was 
due  to  the  assembly,  I  did  not  feel  authorized 
to  give  it,  and  solemn  silence  covered  our 
minds.  The  language  in  my  heart  was,  how 
much  better  is  this  than  a  lifeless  communi- 
cation !  And  the  prayer  of  my  spirit  ascended, 
that  every  mind  might  reverently  feel  the  ne- 

*  It  was   customary   for  both  branches  of  the  Society  of 
Friends  to  hold  funerals  in  this  house. 
10 


146  Memoir  of 

cessity  of  being  prepared  for  the  solemn  close 
of  mortal  life. 

At  the  rise  of  the  meeting  I  felt  it  a  duty 
to  speak  words  of  consolation  to  the  parents, 
who  deeply  mourned  the  loss  of  an  only  child, 
and  who,  I  afterward  learned,  attended  our 
meetings  more  than  those  of  the  Orthodox. 
Some  of  my  friends  gently  and  kindly  rebuked 
me  for  my  silence,  and  seemed  to  wonder  that 
I  did  not  feel  out  that  they  and  some  rela- 
tives would  have  been  better  satisfied  with 
some  communication.  I  replied,  "  I  had  done, 
the  best  that  I  could;  that  I  had  not  the  gift 
of  discerning  particular  states  as  some  others 
had."  Thus  we  see  the  necessity  of  charity 
for  one  another ;  that  charity  and  forbearance 
which  spring  out  of  love  to  God  and  love  to 
our  fellow  creatures. 

Although  we  may  differ  from  each  other  in 
some  of  our  views  or  doctrines  of  the  Christian 
religion,  yet  I  think  that  with  very  few  excep- 
tions mankind,  in  all  ages,  have  believed  and 
do  believe  in  the  existence  of  a  Supreme  Being 
who  is  omniscient,  omnipotent,  and  omnipres- 
ent, and  that  to  Him  worship  is  due.  Even 


Rachel  Hicks.  147 

those  we  term  pagan  or  heathen,  although 
they  bow  down  to  or  worship  gods  of  their 
own  preparing,  they  have  an  idea  of  a  power 
and  wisdom  far  greater  than  they  possess,  and 
I  trust  that  it  maybe  said  of  them,  as  Paul  said 
to  the  Athenians,  "  I  passed  by  and  beheld  your 
devotions.  I  found  an  altar  with  this  inscrip- 
tion: 'To  the  unknown  God;'  whom,  there- 
fore, ye  ignorantly  worship,"  etc. 

When  I  have  beheld  the  many  weaknesses 
and  inconsistencies  of  those  called  Christians, 
with  all  their  great  and  high  professions  of  be- 
ing the  followers  of  the  meek  and  lowly  Jesus, 
a  fear  has  arisen  in  my  mind  that  in  the  sight 
of  Him  who  sees  and  searches  all  hearts,  many 
of  them  are  not  as  acceptable  worshippers  as 
many  of  those  we  term  heathen.  But  let  us 
have  charity ;  for  He  who  is  all  power  and  wis- 
dom, is  also  love  and  mercy,  and  deals  with  his 
accountable  creatures  according  to  their  state 
and  condition,  and  the  circumstances  in  which 
they  have  been  placed. 

We  see  that  when  the  Israelites  came  out 
of  Egypt  they  were  not  in  a  state  prepared 
to  understand  and  practice  the  peaceable  prin- 


148  Memoir  of 

ciples  that  Jesus  taught ;  therefore  the  Law 
was  given,  adapted  to  their  state  and  condition. 
"  An  eye  for  an  eye,  and  a  tooth  for  a  tooth  " 
was  the  law  given  them  through  Moses,  the 
Lord's  servant.  But  in  the  fullness  of  time, 
when  some  of  them  were  prepared  to  receive 
Him,  Jesus  came,  authorized  by  His  Father,  to 
bear  witness  to  the  Truth ;  proclaiming  "  Love 
to  God  and  love  to  man,"  and  commanding  us 
when  smitten  on  one  cheek,  to  turn  the  other 
also ;  and  when  reviled,  to  revile  not  again  ;  to 
love  them  that  hate  us,  to  bless  them  that 
curse  us,  and  to  pray  for  them  who  despite- 
fully  use  us  and  persecute  us.  If  the  Jews  had 
received  the  Messiah  in  the  way  of  his  coming, 
and  kept  His  commandments  in  love  to  God 
and  to  one  another,  they  would  have  been  a 
united  people,  living  in  true  harmony,  and  not 
divided  arid  contending  as  they  were,  when  the 
temple  and  Jerusalem  were  destroyed,  and  they 
scattered  among  the  nations  of  the  earth  as  at 
this  day;  a  warning  to  all  people  against  dis- 
obedience to  the  manifested  will  of  God,  who 
is  love.  They  who  are  obedient  to  Him  dwell 
in  love,  and  it  breathes  "  Glory  to  God  in  the 


Rachel  Hicks.  149 

highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  good  will  toward 
men."  It  is  the  prayer  of  my  spirit  to  live  in 
this  state  to  the  end  of  my  days  on  earth,  that 
my  soul  may  through  mercy  be  received  here- 
after in  Heaven. 


150  Memoir  of 


CHAPTER   XIII. 

IS/5   TO   l8;8. 

Retrospect  at  the  Opening  of  the  Year — Return  of  Minute, 
after  visiting  the  Families  of  Friends  and  Friendly  People 
in  the  Monthly  Meetings  of  Westbury  and  Jericho — Grati- 
tude for  the  Continued  Evidences  of  Divine  Favor  in  the 
Evening  of  Life — Attends  Baltimore  Yearly  Meeting — Her 
Closing  Record  after  entering  her  Ninetieth  Year. 

1ST  mo.  3d,  1875. — Another  year  has  passed 
away,  showing  the  rapid  flight  of  time.  How 
is  it  with  thee,  oh  my  soul,  hast  thou  been  pre- 
served in  a  state  of  acceptance  with  thy  Heav- 
enly Father?  In  the  retrospect,  the  language 
arises,  '  Let  her  alone,'  'she  has  done  what  she 
could.'  Although  I  feel  my  own  great  weakness 
and  human  frailty,  my  heart  overflows  with 
gratitude  and  thanksgiving  to  Him  who  is  om- 
nipotent and  omnipresent,  in  that  He  has  gra- 
ciously condescended  to  speak  peace  to  my 
soul  when  I  felt  my  incapacity  to  restrain  my 
thoughts  from  wandering  from  that  constant 


Rachel  Hicks.  1 5 1 

meditation  on  His  wonderful  attributes  of 
power,  wisdom  and  love,  which  I  have  long  felt 
are  due  to  Him.  In  His  infinite  mercy  I  have 
heard  the  language,  "  I  have  seen  the  sincerity 
of  thy  heart,  therefore  thou  art  accepted  of 
Me."  Then  I  could  close  my  eyes  in  sleep, 
feeling  safe  in  His  wisdom  and  power.  Bless- 
ed, forever  blessed,  be  His  name !  saith  my 
spirit. 

At  our  late  Monthly  Meeting  I  returned  the 
Minute  it  gave  me  a  few  months  before,  setting 
me  at  liberty  to  visit  the  families  of  Friends 
and  friendly  people,  in  the  Monthly  Meetings 
of  Westbury  and  Jericho,  with  the  information 
that  the  service  had  been  performed  to  the 
peace  of  my  own  mind:  and  I  may  here  add, 
through  the  kindness  and  attention  of  my 
friends,  and  over  and  above  all  the  goodness  of 
my  Heavenly  Father,  in  giving  me  strength  of 
body  and  mind  to  perform  all  that  I  believed 
He  required  of  me.  Therefore  my  heart  bows 
in  humble  reverence  before  Him,  in  praise  and 
thanksgiving  for  His  mercy  to  all  who  rely  upon 
Him,  and  dedicate  themselves,  body,  soul,  and 
spirit  to  do  His  will,  as  He  reveals  it  in  the  se- 


152  Memoir  of 

cret  of  the  soul.  "  O  !  "  saith  my  spirit,  "  that 
all  would  yield  up  their  own  wills,  and  say  in 
sincerity,  '  Thy  will,  Oh  God  !  be  done.'  " 

I  had  thought  before  this  duty  was  felt  in 
my  mind,  that  my  labor  of  going  from  house  to 
house  in  this  way,  and  also  in  visiting  meet- 
ings was  accomplished,  but  He  who  sees  the 
heart  knows  best  what  is  best  for  us.  Although 
all  my  labors,  for  aught  I  know,  may  not  have 
been  of  any  use  or  benefit  to  any  but  myself, 
the  reward  to  my  own  soul  is  enough.  Blessed, 
forever  blessed,  be  His  name,  who  puts  forth 
His  little  ones ;  His  reward  is  sure  and  abund- 
ant my  soul  knoweth  right  well.  Now  in  the 
evening  of  life  I  am  peaceful  and  quiet  in  a 
comfortable  home,  patiently  waiting  for  the 
solemn  close.  Human  language  cannot  portray 
my  sense  of  the  fullness  of  the  goodness  and 
loving-kindness  of  Jehovah,  who  abundantly 
provides  for  all  He  has  created. 

7th  mo.  1st,  1877. — Once  more  I  take  the 
pen  to  commemorate  the  unbounded  goodness, 
wisdom,  power,  and  loving  -  kindness  of  our 
Heavenly  Father  to  His  little  unworthy  ser- 
vant, as  I  feel  myself  to  be,  often  saying  in 


Rachel  Hicks.  153 

heart,  "  Without  Thee  I  am  poor,  but  with 
Thee  rich  ;  take  what  Thou  wilt  away."  Fre- 
quently when  alone  as  to  the  outward,  I  feel 
that  if  He  is  with  me,  it  is  enough.  Praises  and 
thanksgiving  oft  rise  in  my  soul,  that  now  in 
the  evening  of  mortal  life,  He  in  wisdom  and 
mercy  permits  me  to  remain  at  home  in  a 
quiet,  peaceful  state  of  mind,  rejoicing  that  my 
day's  work,  as  to  traveling  to  and  fro  in  the 
earth,  was  done  in  the  daytime,  when  strength 
of  body  and  mind  were  sufficient,  through  and 
by  His  aid  and  assistance  to  enable  me  to  per- 
form the  service  I  fully  believed  He  required 
of  me.  Now,  as  heretofore,  I  feel  watchfulness, 
prayer,  and  obedience  are  necessary  to  preserve 
me  from  sitting  down  at  ease,  and  thus  taking 
my  "  flight  on  the  Sabbath  day." 

Oft  the  language  arises  in  my  mind,  "  Min- 
gle with  thy  friends,  endeavoring  by  example 
and  precept  to  promote  love,  harmony,  and 
good  will  amongst  thy  fellow  creatures  ; "  and 
although  I  feel  some  of  the  bodily  infirmities 
of  old  age,  being  now  in  my  89th  year,  I  am 
able  through  the  unbounded  mercy  of  our 
Heavenly  Father  to  attend  all  our  religious 


154  Memoir  of 

meetings  as  they  come  in  course,  from  our 
Yearly  Meetings  down  to  our  mid-week  meet- 
ings and  meetings  for  discipline:  and  some- 
times, though  seldom,  I  feel  required  to  utter 
a  few  words  in  them,  which  is  a  great  favor,  for 
there  is  much  enjoyment  in  sitting  down  with 
my  friends  in  solemn  silence  and  in  unity  of 
spirit,  waiting  upon  the  Lord,  realizing  that 
we  are  one  another's  helpers  in  Him,  for  in 
unity  there  is  strength,  and  our  love  for  each 
other  is  increased  by  thus  mingling  together. 

When  I  behold  vacant  seats  my  spirit  is 
grieved,  and  my  prayers  are  put  up  to  Omnip- 
otent Power  that  if  consistent  with  His  will  and 
wisdom,  He  will  give  parents  more  sensibly  to 
feel  that  it  is  their  duty  to  their  children  to 
take  them  to  our  religious  meetings  twice  in 
the  week,  for  surely  the  command  still  is, 
"  Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should  go : 
and  when  he  is  old,  he  will  not  depart  from  it.' ' 
My  petitions  are  oft  put  up  to  our  Heavenly 
Father,  that  He  will  raise  up  faithful  and  de- 
voted laborers,  and  send  them  into  His  vine- 
yard, under  His  influence  and  qualification,  to 
tell  unto  others  what  He,  in  His  love  and  mer- 


Rachel  Hicks.  155 

cy,  has  done  for  their  souls ;  for  He  works  by 
instruments,  as  well  as  by  His  Spirit  in  the  soul 
— but  all  centres  in  "  Thy  will  be  done." 

nth  mo.  loth,  1877. — Once  more  I  desire  to 
bear  my  testimony  to  the  goodness,  loving- 
kindness,  and  mercy  of  our  omnipotent  Creator, 
in  whom,  as  the  apostle  testified,  "we  live  and 
move  and  have  our  being,"  and  who  has  given 
us  every  faculty  of  body  and  mind,  and  above  all 
a  portion  of  His  own  Spirit  to  teach  us  His  will 
and  what  He  would  have  us  to  do,  and  what 
to  refrain  from.  He  has  showered  His  favors 
and  blessings  upon  us,  therefore  we  are  in 
duty  bound  to  make  a  full  surrender  of  our 
wills  to  Him,  so  that  in  full  sincerity  we  can 
say,  "  Thy  will,  oh  !  God,  be  done."  As  we  are 
obedient  to  do  all  He  requires  of  us,  great,  un- 
speakably great,  is  our  reward  in  the  possession 
of  that  sweet  peace  the  world  can  neither  give 
nor  take  away.  This  my  soul  knoweth  right 
well,  oft  saying  in  my  heart,  "  I  have  no  joy  nor 
rejoicing  but  in  feeling  accepted  of  Him  who 
sees  the  heart." 

In  this  quietude  of  spirit  (although  I  feel 
unworthy  of  the  favor)  I  have  been  permitted 


156  Memoir  of 

of  late  to  remain  at  and  about  my  home,  think- 
ing I  had  no  more  traveling  to  perform.  Un- 
expectedly, I  felt  it  a  duty  required  by  my 
Father  in  Heaven,  to  attend  the  late  Yearly 
Meeting  of  Baltimore.  The  reasonings  of  the 
creaturely  will  rising  up  in  my  mind,  in  bowed- 
ness  of  spirit  before  the  Most  High,  I  put 
up  the  petition,  "  What  wilt  Thou  have  me 
to  do  ?  "  The  responsive  language  was,  "  Go, 
and  I  will  be  with  thee  and  strengthen  thee, 
both  in  body  and  mind :  "  and  now  I  can  bear 
the  testimony,  that  He  did  wonderfully  fulfill 
the  promise.  Praises  and  thanksgiving  flow  in 
my  soul  to  Him  !  for  it  is  due  to  Him  for  His 
many  favors."  I  feel  myself  to  be  the  least 
and  most  unworthy  of  all  the  flock  or  com- 
pany of  the  Church  militant  on  earth,  but  I 
desire  above  all  things  so  to  live  before  Him 
here  as  to  be  one  of  the  Church  triumphant 
in  Heaven,  where  time  to  us  shall  be  no  longer. 
The  Yearly  Meeting  in  Baltimore  was  a  fa- 
vored season.  A  large  number  of  ministers 
from  other  Yearly  Meetings  attended,  who, 
with  myself,  were  recipients  of  the  kind  atten- 
tion of  friends  there,  and  it  was  comforting  and 


Rachel  Hicks.  157 

encouraging  to  see  and  feel  love  and  harmony 
prevail ;  and  although  some  who  were  pillars 
in  the  Lord's  house  have  been  taken  away,  yet 
the  feeling  was,  that  others  are  under  the  pre- 
paring hand,  who,  if  obedient,  will  be  raised  up 
to  fill  the  void  now  felt. 

5th  mo.  1 8th,  1878.— On  the  loth  of  last 
month  I  entered  my  o/Dth  year,  and  I  feel  it  to 
be  a  long  life,  and  the  query  arises,  How  far 
have  I  in  these  89  years,  lived  so  as  to  answer 
the  great  purpose  of  my  being  ?  feeling  that 
the  whole  human  family  are  created  by  Him, 
who  is  all  power,  all  wisdom,  all  love  and  mercy, 
to  glorify  Him  here  on  earth,  by  living  right- 
eous, holy  lives,  and  then  through  His  mercy 
and  loving-kindness  the  soul  immortal  is  to  be 
glorified  with  Him  in  Heaven  throughout  eter- 
nity. He  alone  can  answer  this  query ;  He 
alone  is  my  Judge.  To  Him  I  resign  my  all — 
my  body,  soul,  and  spirit.  "  Thy  will  be  done," 
is  oft  the  language  of  my  soul,  for  in  His  will  I 
am  safe.  In  the  world  to  come,  I  do  not  ask 
of  Him  to  sit  on  His  right  hand  or  His  left,  but 
if  through  His  mercy,  I  am  permitted  to  enter 
through  the  pearl  gates  into  His  presence,  to 


158  Memoir  of 

behold  Him  on  the  throne  of  His  majesty, 
and  unite  with  redeemed  spirits,  in  praises 
and  hallelujahs  to  Him,  it  is  enough.  Al- 
though he  place  me  in  the  lowest  mansion, 
blessed  be  His  name  forever  and  ever  !  saithmy 
spirit. 

[The  death  of  our  dear  friend  occurred  so 
soon  after  her  last  record  in  her  journal  that 
we  believe  survivors  will  be  interested  in  some 
of  the  details  of  her  close. 

About  three  weeks  previous  to  her  death 
she  attended  Quarterly  Meeting  held  at  West- 
bury,  L.  I.  (/th  mo.,  25th),  and  with  her  accus- 
tomed cordiality  and  cheerfulness  entertained 
Friends  at  her  own  home. 

The  week  following  she  was  at  meeting  on 
fourth  day  morning,  and  appeared  to  be  in 
usual  health.  Toward  evening,  however,  she 
remarked  that  she  did  not  feel  quite  well,  and 
retired  early  to  her  room.  Medical  advice 
was  called,  but  failed  to  afford  permanent  re- 
lief. She  was  not  able  to  sit  up  or  converse 
much,  but  manifested  throughout  her  sickness 
the  patient  endurance  and  calm  trust  which 


Rachel  Hicks.  159 

were  such  marked  characteristics  when  she  was 
in  health. 

A  few  days  before  her  death,  a  friend  who 
was  visiting  her  inquired  how  she  felt.  "  I 
am  comfortable,"  she  replied,  "  but  very  weak. 
I  have  no  anxiety  about  anything  ;  my  nurses 
are  my  friends  ;  they  have  good  judgment,  and 
will  do  all  that  is  necessary.  I  feel  that  I  am 
in  the  hands  of  my  Heavenly  Father;  His 
arms  are  round  about  me  and  underneath,  and 
I  can  truly  say,  '  Not  my  will,  but  Thine,  O 
Father,  be  done.'  " 

On  being  asked  if  she  had  any  messages  for 
her  friends,  she  said  :  "  None  except  my  desire 
that  they  love  one  another  and  do  right.  My 
love  flows  to  all." 

She  retained  her  consciousness  until  near  the 
end,  when  she  settled  into  a  deep  and  quiet 
sleep.  Her  purified  spirit  was  thus  liberated 
from  its  mortal  tenement,  leaving  the  convic- 
tion with  survivors  that  her  work  was  "  fin- 
ished," and  that  she  was  received  into  one  of 
the  "mansions  prepared"  for  the  righteous.] 


160  Memoir  of 


"  WESTBURY,  11,  21,  '58. 
"  RESPECTED  FRIEND, 

"  I  observe  in  thy  letter  a  request  that  I 
should  reply  soon  after  its  reception.  Were 
it  not  for  a  disposition  to  procrastinate,  I 
should  be  much  gratified  to  hold  a  correspond- 
ence with  thee  ;  however,  I  will  try  to  write 
when  I  have  anything  that  seems  worth  saying, 
for  the  reception  of  a  letter  is  next  to  seeing  a 
friend. 

"  Thy  letter  was  interesting  and  acceptable. 
I  think  thy  friend  judged  correctly  of  the  author 
thou  wast  reading,  whom  he  thought  skeptical 
on  the  subject  of  religion  or  Christianity. 

"  Some  years  ago  I  read  Guizot  on  the  prog- 
ress of  civilization  in  France,  from  the  fall  of 
the  Roman  Empire  to  the  French  Revolution. 
I  was  much  pleased  with  the  sentiment,  that 
Christianity  had  promoted  civilization  much 
more  than  all  other  causes  he  had  enumerated ; 
and  I  think  he  defined  civilization  to  be  the 
development  of  the  mental  or  intellectual  facul- 
ties. This,  of  course,  would  change  the  manners 
and  habits  of  savage  life  to  the  refined  manners 


Rachel  Hicks.  161 

of  the  Christian.  And  I  see  too  that  F.  Guizot 
(perhaps  the  same  writer)  says  that  in  the  time 
of  Charlemagne,  the  intellectual  state  of  Ireland 
and  England  was  superior  to  that  of  the  conti- 
nent ;  letters  and  schools  prospered  there  more 
than  anywhere  else. 

"  The  principal  reason  that  he  assigns  for  this , 
is  that  Christianity  was  not  interrupted  by  in- 
vasion, etc.,  etc.     If  these  sentiments  are  cor- 
rect— and  who  but  the  skeptic  will  deny  it  ? — 
can  we  wonder  that  Jesus  Christ  was  sent  into 
the  world  'to  bear  witness  unto  the  Truth?' 
to  promulgate  those  principles  and  doctrines, 
which  if  mankind  would  live  in  and  practice, 
would  not  only  redeem  the  soul  and  prepare  it 
for  a  glorious  eternity,  but  would  also  expand 
the   intellectual  faculties,  refine  the  manners, 
and  bring  all  matters  in  civil  life  into  perfect 
order.     The  human  family  would  then   enjoy 
the  greatest  amount  of  happiness  possible  to 
be  enjoyed  in  this  world.     These  being  unde- 
niable truths,  is  it  cause  of  wonder  that  the 
apostles  and  devoted  Christians  in  various  ages 
have  been  willing  to  suffer  martyrdom  for  their 
adherence  and  testimony  to  the  principles  of 


1 62  Memoir  of 

the  Christian  religion  ?  Or  is  it  strange  that 
men  and  women  now  are  made  willing  to  be 
accounted  '  fools  for  Christ's  sake/  in  bearing 
testimony  to  the  same  eternal  principles — their 
hearts  being  filled  with  love  to  God  and  love 
to  man  ? 

"  Looking  as  we  may  to  those  nations  who 
profess,  and  in  some  measure  live  in  accordance 
with  the  principles  of  the  Christian  religion,  we 
see  the  advancement  they  have  made  in  the 
arts  and  sciences  and  in  a  comfortable  mode 
of  living  ;  far  beyond  those  who  have  not  the 
Scriptures  or  the  knowledge  of  the  advent  of 
Christ  and  the  doctrines  He  taught.  And  my 
belief  is,  if  this  pure  and  holy  religion  declines 
and  wanes  away,  these  nations  will  relapse  into 
a  state  of  barbarism,  and  the  inhabitants  even 
of  this  great  confederacy  will  be  scattered  in 
predatory  bands.  The  fulfilling  of  the  first  two 
and  greatest  commandments  would  harmonize 
and  cement  together  the  numerous  and  rapidly 
increasing  members  of  this  vast  republic,  and 
our  future  history  would  prove  the  truth  of  the 
saying,  '  United  we  stand.' 

"  It  is  therefore  with  sorrow  that  I  hear  so 


Rachel  Hicks.  163 

much  of  sectional  prejudice  growing  strong 
in  our  midst,  and  also  so  much  of  what  may 
be  termed  political  slander  of  political  par- 
ties against  each  other,  and  also  against  men 
filling  the  highest  offices  in  the  government ; 
for  instance,  our  president  and  the  governor  of 
our  state.  It  is  enough  to  deter  good  men 
from  accepting  these  offices.  I  may  not  ap- 
prove of  all  their  acts,  but  the  true  Christian 
spirit  would  lead  me  to  believe  that  they  are  en- 
deavoring to  do  the  best  they  can  under  all  the 
circumstances  that  surround  them ;  and  the  of- 
fice they  fill  ought  to  be  respected  by  a  law- 
loving  and  law-abiding  people. 

"  '  Thou  shalt  not  speak  evil  of  the  ruler  of 
thy  people,'  was  the  Christian  exhortation  in  an 
early  age  of  Christianity,  and  it  is  as  binding 
upon  us  now,  as  it  was  upon  those  to  whom  it 
was  spoken.  Submission  to  the  '  powers  that  be ' 
was  also  taught  by  Christian  teachers.  Sub- 
mit actively  when  we  can,  and  when  for  con- 
science' sake  we  cannot,  patiently  to  suffer  the 
penalty  is  a  Christian  duty.  In  this  way  the 
laws  of  the  land  ought  to  be  respected.  You 
who  address  young  men  have  an  opportunity  of 


164  Memoir  of 

instilling  in  their  minds  the  great  principle  of  the 
stability  and  durability  of  a  Christian  republic, 
"I  agree  with  thee  in  thinking  Hugh  Miller 
quite  too  speculative ;  some  parts  of  his  book  I 
was  much  gratified  with,  but  it  was  picking 
gems  out  of  rubbish,  which  may  be  said  of 
many  books  in  this  day. 

"  Very  respectfully  thy  friend, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 

"  WESTBURY,  i2th  mo.,  ;th,  1858. 
"  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  By  a  letter  received  from  our  mutual  friend, 
I  am  informed  that  the  subject  which  now 
weighs  heavily  on  the  mind  of  thy  friend  Rachel 
Hicks,  has  been  laid  before  thee,  and  that  thou 
knowest  that  I  am  required  to  be  resigned  to 
the  most  humiliating  and  arduous  of  all  relig- 
ious concerns  ;  and  if  friends  permit,  may  enter 
upon  it. 

"  As  some  of  my  former  companions  have 
passed  from  works  to  reward,  and  others  fail 
from  infirmity  of  the  body,  I  have  looked 
around  for  an  armor-bearer,  so  desirable  and 
indispensable  ;  one  who  is  united  with  me  in 


Rachel  Hicks.  165 

feeling  and  sentiment,  and  concerned  to  bear 
the  various  testimonies  of  our  society. 

"  When  my  long  tried  and  faithful  friend  who 
is  to  accompany  me  in  the  early  part  of  the 
journey  leaves  me — which  she  feels  that  she 
must  do  in  a  short  time — I  have  looked  to 
thee,  my  younger  and  beloved  friend,  to  go 
with  me.  I  remember  how  serviceable  and 
animating  were  thy  words  of  counsel  and  en- 
couragement at  a  late  Yearly  Meeting,  when 
my  mind  was  sinking  under  depression  amount- 
ing almost  to  despair,  because  it  seemed  to  me 
that  standard-bearers  were  fainting,  and  that 
those  whose  feet  were  firmly  fixed  on  the  im- 
mutable foundation  were  few.  An  unprofitable 
discouragement  was  given  way  to  on  my  part, 
but  thou  wast  qualified  to  apply  the  necessary 
remedy.  I  know  that  we  ought  not  to  rely  too 
much  on  outward  instruments,  and  yet  in  ten- 
der mercy  and  loving-kindness  the  Head  of  the 
Church  anoints  these  as  helpers;  to  encourage, 
counsel,  caution  and  reprove  when  necessary, 
and  the  servant  who  is  really  humble  will  re- 
ceive any  of  these  as  a  kindness.  I  shall  there- 
fore desire  thee  to  watch  over  me,  and  deal 


1 66  Memoir  of 

honestly  with  me,  for  ministers  are  oft  weak, 
and  ever  liable  to  fall  away  if  off  their  guard. 

"  I  need  not  tell  thee  of  the  exercises  and 
conflicts  with  the  flesh — which  is  weak — ere  a 
resignation  full  and  entire  was  obtained,  in  the 
prospect  of  a  labor  so  long  and  arduous  in  the 
present  state  of  our  Society;  when  one  seems 
to  be  of  Paul,  others  of  Apollos  and  Cephas  or 
of  Christ.  But  if  I  am  favored  to  walk  in  the 
path  pointed  out  for  me,  I  cannot  join  any  of 
these.  The  eye  of  the  mind  must  be  continu- 
ally turned  to  the  Divine  Master,  and  whatsoever 
He  bids,  that  must  I  do.  Then  the  reward  will 
be  peace,  though  man  may  rise  up  in  judgment 
and  condemn.  Peace  of  mind  is  all  we  can 
look  for  in  this  day,  and  it  is  enough,  and  worth 
all  we  can  suffer  in  time.  Yet  the  creature  is 
ready  to  inquire,  What  will  it  all  avail  ?  for 
'  Who  will  believe  our  report  or  to  whom  will 
the  arm  of  the  Lord  be  revealed  '  by  our  preach- 
ing ?  If,  as  in  former  days,  many  were  con- 
vinced, and  drawn  to  unite  in  bearing  the 
testimonies  of  Truth  to  the  world,  there  would 
seem  to  be  some  encouragement  to  expose 
ourselves  to  the  multitude  that  gather  to  '  hear 


Rachel  Hicks.  167 

what  the  Spirit  saith  unto  the  Churches.'  But 
since  we  now  see  nothing  of  this ;  but,  on  the 
contrary,  a  scattering  from  the  foundation  of 
the  true  Church,  of  which  Christ  is  the  Head, 
we  must  labor  for  the  saving  of  our  own 
souls. 

"  Therefore  wilt  thou  join  me  for  as  long  a 
time  as  is  felt  right  to  thee  ? 

"  Thy  affectionate 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 

"  NEW  YORK,  ist  mo.,  23d,  1859. 
"  MY  DEAR  FRIENDS  : 

"  Long  have  I  been  remiss  in  writing  to 
you,  for  oft  has  my  mind  been  with  you  (espe- 
cially since  the  visit  we  made  you)  in  sympathy, 
and  desires  for  your  preservation  and  encour- 
agement in  the  right  way  —  the  strait  and 
narrow  way  which  leads  to  life  eternal.  In  this 
way  I  believe  you  desire  to  walk,  so  that  in  the 
end  you  may  receive  the  crown  of  peace. 

"  But  many  discouragements  arise  before  you 
as  regards  outward  helps,  and  the  condition  of 
our  poor  society — peeled  and  stripped  as  we 
are  of  outward  standard-bearers.  One  after  an- 


1 68  Memoir  of 

other  of  these  faithful  devoted  servants  passes 
away  from  works  to  rewards,  and  surely  some  of 
you,  who  love  the  Truth  above  all  things,  and 
who  I  fear  from  diffidence  have  heretofore  with- 
held more  than  you  ought,  must  come  up  to  the 
work  of  the  Lord  against  the  mighty  torrent 
that  is  rolling  and  tossing  against  His  holy 
cause  of  righteousness  in  the  earth. 

"  Oh  !  my  dear  sisters,  oft  has  a  prayer  risen 
from  my  heart  to  Him  who  alone  can  save, 
that  you  may  arise  from  too  much  discourage- 
ment, and  come  to  the  Divine  Master  with  the 
wise  resolution,  'Let  others  do  as  they  may, 
as  for  me  and  my  house,  we  will  serve  the 
Lord.'  I  believe  that  your  husbands  are 
united  with  you  in  spirit,  and  that  the  lan- 
guage in  your  little  band  often  is,  '  Come 
brother,  come  sister,  let  us  go  up  to  the  moun- 
tain of  the  Lord,  to  the  house  of  the  God  of 
Jacob,  and  He  will  teach  us  of  His  ways,  and 
we  will  walk  in  His  paths,  and  great  will  be 
our  peace.'  Whatever  He  bids  you  do,  that 
do,  that  your  own  souls  may  be  saved.  This 
seems  to  be  all  that  is  worth  living  for  in 
this  day  of  great  declension  in  our  once  highly 


Rachel  Hicks.  169 

favored  society.  I  feel  this  deeply,  notwith- 
standing so  much  of  my  time  is  passed  in  going 
t  o  and  fro  in  the  earth,  and  spending  my  strength 
in  inviting  others  to  come  to  the  '  one  thing 
needful,'  that  of  waiting  at  the  Master's  feet 
to  know  His  will,  and  then  to  do  it  faithfully. 
*  *  '  Follow  thou  me,'  is  the  language  of  our 
Divine  Master  now  in  the  secret  of  the  soul,  as 
it  was  outwardly  to  the  disciples  formerly  ;  and 
in  mercy  we  have  at  times  the  assurance  that  all 
will  be  well  with  the  immortal  soul,  if  obedi- 
ence keeps  pace  with  knowledge,  and  that  is 
enough. 

"  How  encouraging  to  a  life  of  dedication  was 
the  deathbed  and  closing  scene  of  our  mut- 
ually dear  friend  Caroline  Willets.  When  I 
had  in  prospect  a  family  visit  to  friends  in 
the  city  of  Philadelphia,  she  entered  into 
deep  sympathy  and  feeling  with  me,  and  felt 
bound  in  spirit  as  a  religious  duty  to  go  with 
me.  Although  I  told  her  I  feared  for  her  health 
— which  had  not  been  as  good  the  last  year  as 
formerly — she  several  times  said,  '  I  will  stay 
with  thee  about  two  weeks  ;  that  is  as  long  as 
I  feel  it  will  be  best.'  Dear  creature !  she 


170  Memoir  of 

went  and  staid  her  two  weeks,  and  at  the  ex- 
piration of  that  time,  her  lifeless  remains  were 
brought  to  her  home — may  I  not  say  amidst  a 
host  of  mourners? — for  it  seemed  as  if  both 
cities  were  clad  in  mourning. 

"  What  greater  outward  evidence  of  the  all- 
sufficiency  of  the  principles  we  profess  can  we 
have,  than  to  behold  one  like  her,  when  pros- 
trated upon  the  bed  of  sickness  and  death, 
peaceful  and  calm,  filled  with  love  to  all, 
patient  and  resigned,  with  no  anxiety  and  no 
fear  of  death?  'I  have  nothing  to  do,'  she 
once  said  to  me  (and  this  was  when  we  were 
somewhat  encouraged)  ;  '  my  day's  work  has 
been  done  in  the  daytime,  but  giving  up  my 
husband  is  like  separating  joint  from  joint.' 
This  remark  was  evidence  to  my  mind  that  she 
was  sensible  that  the  final  separation  was  near 
at  hand. 

"  *  *  *  We  went  to  Philadelphia 
on  the  2 1st  of  I2th  mo.,  and  the  following 
three  days  we  attended  the  three  Monthly 
Meetings  in  that  city,  and  visited  seventeen 
families.  Through  all  she  was  as  cheerful  as 
usual,  and  enjoyed  the  company  of  her  friends. 


Rachel  Hicks.  171 

We  did  not  discover  any  change  in  her  until 
the  last  evening,  at  the  close  of  the  last  visit 
but  one,  which  we  had  to  make.  I  proposed 
her  going  directly  to  our  lodgings,  which  she 
did.  At  ten  o'clock  I  found  her  with  a  high 
fever,  and  much  prostrated.  Her  anxious  hus- 
band hoped  she  would  rest  well,  and  be  able 
to  return  home  with  him  the  next  morning; 
but  instead  of  this,  she  failed  steadily  until  the 
4th  of  1st  month,  when  in  the  midst  of  her 
friends  she  passed  away.  A  large  circle  gath- 
ered around  her  bed  as  they  saw  -the  end 
approaching,  and  we  sat  in  solemn  silence,  as 
without  a  sigh,  a  groan,  or  the  movement  of 
a  muscle  of  her  face,  she  ceased  to  breathe. 
Still  in  silence  profound  we  sat,  until  prayer 
for  resigned  hearts,  and  praise  for  the  release 
of  the  redeemed  spirit  was  vocally  uttered. 

"  The  next  day  we  came  with  the  remains  to 
New  York,  and  on  the  7th  inst.  her  funeral  took 
place,  when  a  large  and  solemn  meeting  was 
held  at  Hester  Street  meeting-house.  I  was  not 
able  to  attend — not  being  well  ;  but  I  heard  a 
number  say  that  living  testimonies  were  borne 
by  David  H.  Barnes,  Mary  L.  Caley,  John 


ij2  Memoir  of 

Hunt,  Richard  Cromwell,  and  lastly  supplica- 
tion by  John  D.  Wright. 

"  She  had  long  been  devoted  to  her  Divine 
Master  in  doing  what  she  believed  He  required 
of  her,  and  she  died  in  the  field  of  labor. 

"  Our  home  in  Philadelphia  was  at  the  house 
of  our  kind-hearted  friend  Samuel  Caley.  He, 
his  wife  Mary'  L.  Caley,  and  their  three 
daughters  entertained  us,  and  nursed  the  dear 
sick  one  with  all  the  tenderness  that  one  of 
themselves  would  have  received  had  they  been 
ill.  One  morning  dear  Caroline  said  to  me, 
when  they  were  doing  all  they  could  for  her, 
'  They  seem  like  ministering  angels  round 
my  bed.'  Thus  you  see,  that  as  she  had  dear- 
ly loved  her  friends  in  her  life — she  died  in  their 
midst. 

' '  Oh !  is  it  not  a  boon  thus  to  die  the  death 
of  the  righteous?  Let  us,  dear  friends,  one  and 
all,  gird  up  the  loins  of  our  minds  in  watchful- 
ness and  prayer,  and  do  all  that  our  Father  in 
Heaven  requires. 

"  I  expect  to  return  to  the  arduous  work  I 
believe  my  Good  Master  has  appointed,  but 
oh  !  how  I  shall  miss  my  long-tried  and  faith- 


Rachel  Hicks.  173 

ful  armor-bearer  !  But  my  time  will  soon  come. 
I  have  only  to  wait  a  little  longer,  when  it  will 
be  said  :  '  She,  too,  is  gone.' 

"  From  the  love  which  I  know  you  felt  for 
her,  I  thought  some  account  of  her  close  would 
be  acceptable. 

"Please  write  to  your  affectionate 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 

"4th  mo.,  i /th,  1859. 
"  DEAR  FRIENDS: 

"  Often,  very  often,  since  we  parted,  have  I 
visited  you  in  spirit,  with  a  desire  to  give  you 
a  written  testimonial  of  my  grateful  and  affec- 
tionate remembranceof  your  kind  attentions  to 
one  of  the  least  of  the  household  of  faith,  when 
travailing  under  a  heavyweight  of  exercise. 

"  Although  I  sensibly  felt  before  leaving  my 
home  that  there  were  in  those  three  Monthly 
Meetings  a  hidden  travailing  seed,  owned  and 
preserved  by  the  Head  of  the  Church,  yet  I 
had  doubts  about  any  being  prepared  to  open 
their  hearts  and  homes  to  receive  one  who 
felt  herself  so  unworthy — a  necessary  dispen- 
sation for  me  to  pass  through. 

"  I  felt,  also,  that  there  were  '  giants  in  the 


174  Memoir  of 

land  ;  '  but,  having  faith  in  the  Divine  prom- 
ise, '  I  will  be  with  thee,'  the  fear  of  these  was 
taken  away.  And  when  I  saw  the  openness  of 
many  to  prepare  for  moving  in  a  concern  so 
arduous,  I  was  humbled,  and  a  tear  of  grati- 
tude started  to  the  eye.  There  is  a  '  feeling 
that  has  no  fellow,'  nor  is  there  language  to 
express  to  another  what  is  felt  ;  therefore,  I 

cannot  convey  to  thee,  dear ,  a  full  sense 

of  the  encouragement  and  strength  which  I  ex- 
perienced by  thy  uniting  in  the  concern,  as  I 
believe  in  the  fellowship  of  the  Gospel. 

"And  while  I  dare  not  give  flattering  titles 
unto  man — for  in  so  doing  my  Master  would 
take  away  my  peace — I  may  say  in  truth  that 

I  think a  right  good  elder.     Now,  in  my 

quiet  retirement,  I  look  back  with  satisfaction 
that  I  felt  it  right  to  take  his  advice  in  attend- 
ing the  three  Monthly  Meetings,  and  report- 
ing the  service  accomplished.  Although  a 
little  trying  to  the  creature,  I  think  it  was  fin- 
ishing up  the  work  in  the  order  of  Truth  ;  and 
the  language  often  arises,  '  Peace  be  to  thee 
and  to  thy  helpers.'  My  aspiration  is  that  the 
peace  which  the  world  can  neither  give  nor  take 


Rachel  Hicks.  175 

away  may  rest  upon  you.  There  are  seasons 
when  we  sensibly  realize  that  the  humble  ser- 
vant '  has  meat  to  eat  that  the  world  knows  not 
of,'  a  fellowship  with  the  Father,  with  the  Son, 
and  one  with  another  which  satisfies  the  im- 
mortal soul.  Blessed  be  His  name,  saith  my 
spirit,  for  His  goodness  and  loving-kindness  to 
the  workmanship  of  His  hands  ! 

"  I  have  said  that  I  oft  felt  a  desire  to  write 
to  you,  but  it  is  not  a  light  matter  to  put  the 
pen  to  paper  and  allow  the  thoughts  to  guide 
it,  especially  as  regards  our  poor  Society, 
broken  up  into  parties  as  it  is. 

******* 

"  '  Except  the  Lord  build  the  house,  they  la- 
bor in  vain  who  build  it.'  Our  faith,  trust  and 
confidence  must  be  in  Him,  and  in  simple  obe- 
dience to  His  commands.  Then,  our  works  and 
the  spirit  with  which  we  will  be  clothed,  will 
tend  to  '  establish  us  in  that  holy  faith  which 
works  by  love  to  the  purifying  of  the  heart,' 
leading  into  perfect  order  and  out  of  all  ex- 
tremes. 

"When  I  visit  you  mentally,  I  behold,  dear 
,  not  so  anxious  about  what  others  are  do- 


176  Memoir  of 

ing  as  careful  to  perform  her  own  duties.  And 
—  cheerfully  looking  on  the  best  side,  and 
pointing  out  bright  spots  to  encourage  the 
mourners  in  Zion,  and  the  heavy  hearted  in 
Jerusalem.  But,  notwithstanding  this,  does 
he  not  have  his  seasons  of  depression,  when 
he  desires  to  '  hide  himself  in  the  clefts  of  the 
rock  and  the  secret  places  of  the  stairs  ? '  If  he 
have,  it  is  no  more  than  the  righteous  in  all 
ages  have  had  to  feel,  and  I  believe  it  is  in  the 
ordering  of  Infinite  Wisdom  for  our  good. 

"  Continual  sunshine  and  gentle  zephyrs  in 
the  outward  world  would  not  produce  a  healthy 
atmosphere  for  animal  or  vegetable  life.  It 
is  just  so  in  a  spiritual  sense.  Continual 
abounding  in  heavenly  enjoyment  would  tend 
to  make  us  relax  our  efforts  to  abide  in  our 
only  safe  state — that  of  watchfulness  and 
prayer,  under  a  humiliating  sense  of  our  own 
insufficiency  for  any  good  word  or  work. 

"  As  a  sense  of  danger  induces  us  to  seek  a 
shelter  from  storms  and  tempests  outwardly, 
so  conflicts  with  human  nature  and  a  seeming 
desertion  of  Divine  aid  draw  us  more  intently 
to  ask  Him  who  has  promised,  '  Seek  and  ye 


Rachel  Hicks.  177 

shall  find;  knock  and   it   shall  be  opened  unto 
you.'     Thus  He  redeems  and  purifies  the  soul, 
for  it  remains  to  be  a  truth  :  'As  gold  is  tried 
in  the  fire,'  so  are  they  who  are  accepted  of 
God   in  the  furnace  of   affliction.     Therefore 
we  have  more  cause  to  rejoice  than  to  repine 
when  we  are  left  to  feel  our  own  weakness. 
******* 
"  Your  affectionate  friend, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 

"  WESTBURY,  4th  mo.,  26th,  1862. 
"  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  Thy  letter  was  to  my  feelings  as  '  deep  call- 
ing unto  deep.'  It  is  a  strength  and  a  consolation 
to  receive  evidence  of  unity  in  exercise  and  con- 
cern for  the  welfare  of  our  Zion. 

"  The  query  often  arises,  Why  do  we  feel  this 
strong  desire  for  the  preservation  of  our  So- 
ciety? The  reply  is,  As  we  dwell  in  Him  who 
is  Love,  our  hearts  are  filled  with  that  love 
which  extends  not  only  to  the  present  but  to 
all  future  generations.  We  do  know  that  God 
is  unchangeable,  and  that  the  means  of  salva- 
tion are  the  same  that  they  ever  were,  and  that 


178  Memoir  of 

they  will  remain  to  be  the  seed  of  the  King- 
dom of  Heaven  for  all  mankind  for  all  time  to 
come.  Therefore  we  desire,  next  to  the  eternal 
happiness  of  our  own  souls,  that  we  as  a  united 
people  may  transmit  to  generations  yet  to 
come  our  testimony  to  the  all-sufficiency  of 
the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  work  in  us,  to 
will  and  to  do,  every  good  word  and  work,  as 
we  are  obedient  to  its  teachings. 

"  Oh !  then,  how  we  are  bowed  down  in 
spirit,  mourning  on  our  way  because  there 
seems  not  strength  and  holy  zeal  enough  in  the 
Society  in  the  present  day  to  put  down  that 
kind  of  ministry  which  tends  to  lay  waste  this 
great  testimony ;  and  also  a  belief  that  the 
grace  of  God  alone  can  qualify  for  the  work  of 
the  ministry,  and  every  efficient  labor  for  that 
reformation  so  much  desired.  Repeatedly  do 
we  have  to  hear  that  '  the  cultivation  of  the 
mental  powers  is  sufficient  qualification,  and 
that  we  ought  to  speak  to  interest  the  young, 
that  there  is  no  need  for  all  the  conflict 
and  concern,  which  some  say  is  necessary 
to  prepare  for  the  right  exercise  of  the  min- 
istry— if  something  rises  in  the  mind  rise  and 


Rachel  Hicks.  179 

say  it,  etc.,  etc/  The  language  of  my 
spirit  is,  '  Oh  !  my  soul,  come  not  thou  into 
their  secret ;  unto  their  assembly,  mine  honor 
be  not  thou  united.'  With  thee  I  can  say, 
'  May  the  sons  of  Levi  be  refined,  for  there  is 
need.'  A  day  of  retribution  has  come  upon  the 
nation,  I  most  surely  believe;  for  the  sins  of 
the  people  are  many  and  great.  May  they 
learn  righteousness  when  the  judgments  of  the 
Most  High  are  in  the  earth  !  Of  a  truth,  we 
cannot  see  the  end  of  this  awful  conflict,  any 
further  than  that  suffering  and  mourning  will 
be  our  portion.  Many  mothers,  wives,  etc.,  go 
mourning  for  their  sons  and  relatives  '  because 
they  are  not ;  '  and  the  Society  of  Friends  will 
not  escape,  for  great  is  our  responsibility.  We 
have  known  the  Truth,  we  (or  most  of  us)  have 
known  it,  but  many  have  not  kept  to  the  sim- 
plicity of  it;  but  desiring  to  imitate  those 
around  us,  we  have  gone  out  after  their  vain 
fashions  and  doings,  and  now  their  doctrines 
are  being  imbibed.  We  must  teach,  but  we 
need  not  take  such  high  ground  as  that  of  be- 
ing sent  by  the  Head  of  the  Church  ;  hence 
this  busy,  active  spirit — I  see  and  feel  so  much 


180  Memoir  of 

of  it,  that  it  makes  hard  work  to  move  in  any 
apprehended  duty,  fearing  that  I  too  may  be 
mistaken. 

"  My  mind  is  and  has  been  much  with 
the  wrestling  seed  amongst  you ;  but  I  think 
now  my  good  Master  will  excuse  me  from  at- 
tending your  Yearly  Meeting.  My  faith  is, 
that  the  rightly  concerned  will  be  supported  ; 
a  remnant  will  stand  firm  on  the  '  Rock  of 
Ages,'  against  which  storms  and  tempests  will 
beat  in  vain,  as  they  look  to  Him  who  is  able 
to  work  miracles  now  as  formerly  for  those  who 
keep  the  faith.  We  have  reason  to  believe 
that  there  are  some  among  you  and  us  who  are 
under  the  preparing  hand  for  usefulness  in 
the  Church,  if  they  are  not  turned  aside  from 
the  strait  and  narrow  way  by  unauthorized 
counselors,  who  seem  to  think  they  have 
found  an  easier  way  than  by  the  Cross  of 
Christ. 

"  I  rejoice  that  thy  brother  is  dedicating  him- 
self, his  time,  his  talents  and  acquirements  to 
the  service  of  his  Divine  Master ;  as  he  keeps 
low  and  humble,  his  influence  for  good  will  be 
very  great.  I  hope  he  will  not  turn  from  any 


Rachel  Hicks.  181 

required  duty  because  of  those  whose  efforts 
tend  to  lay  waste. 

"  I  feel  for  and  with  thee  in  thy  various 
weighty  exercises,  for  thy  own  sake  and  for  the 
well-being  of  those  who  are  perhaps  leaning 
upon  thee.  That  thou,  and  all  concerned,  may 
be  directed  by  that  wisdom  which  is  from  above 
and  is  profitable  to  direct  in  all  things  is  my 
fervent  desire, 

Much  credit  is  due  to  you  for  your  delibera- 
tion. But  who  is  to  take  thy  place  as  clerk  ?  I 
cannot  see.  I,  too,  begin  to  look  for  a  release 
myself.  I  am  resigned  to  my  friends,  but  have 
not  felt  easy  to  ask  to  be  excused  from  the  ser- 
vice. I  believe  no  other  consideration  has  bound 
thee  and  me  to  the  work  but  a  love  for  the  Truth, 
and  a  strong  desire  for  the  maintenance  of  our 
testimonies  and  discipline  which  we  believe  orig- 
inated in  the  wisdom  of  our  Father  in  Heaven. 

"  I  should  dearly  love  to  see  thee,  and 
converse  with  thee  on  various  subjects.  Per- 
haps the  Master  will  send  thee  to  our  Year- 
ly Meeting,  we  are  so  stripped  of  faithful 
standard-bearers.  But  I  trust  we  are  already 
in  some  measure  driven  to  the  feet  of  our 


1 82  Memoir  of 

Lord  and  Master,  who  alone  can  supply  the 
void  made  in  the  removal  by  death  of  so  many  ; 
none  missed  so  much  in  every  way  as  dear 

;  but  the  end  draweth  nigh,  and  if 

we  can  say  '  I  have  finished  the   work  which 

thou  gavest  me  to  do,'  then   through    mercy 

we  shall  be  permitted  to  enter  into  eternal  rest. 

"  Affectionately, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 

"  WESTBURY,  6th  mo.,  28th,  1863. 
"  DEAR  FRIENDS  : 

"  I  was  comforted  in  receiving  your  letter, 
as  I  was  in  meeting  and  becoming  acquainted 
with  you  in  New  York,  also  your  brother  and 
sister.  When  mingling  together  there,  I  had 
often  to  reflect  upon  and  feel  the  excellency 
and  enjoyment  there  is  realized  in  this  heaven- 
ly relationship — brethren  in  Christ — He  being 
our  Master. 

"  When  you  first  arrived,  strangers  and  unex- 
pected, I  said  in  my  heart  — '  What  kind  of 
Friends  are  these  ? '  Are  they  tinctured  with 
libertinism,  or  are  they  of  the  right  cast  ?  ' 
Very  soon  my  doubts  were  removed,  and  were 


Rachel  Hicks.  183 

succeeded  by  a  unity  of  spirit  and  gospel  fellow- 
ship that  the  world  knows  not  of.  This  is  a 
remarkable  feature  in  the  experience  and  char- 
acter of  Friends.  Those  whose  greatest  con- 
cern is  to  abide  in  Christ,  the  true  and  living 
Vine,  and  are  nourished  by  the  same  divine  life, 
meet  and  greet  each  other  in  the  '  unity  of  the 
spirit '  and  '  the  bond  of  peace.'  This  was  my 
first  impression  in  taking  you  by  the  hand  ;  but 
on  a  second  thought,  the  forementioned  queries 
arose  ;  but  my  doubts  soon  being  removed  I  look 
upon  it  as  a  remarkable  evidence  that  there  is 
'a  feeling  that  has  no  fellow.'  In  this  I  did  wish, 
when  you  were  about  leaving,  that  we  could 
sit  in  silence  a  short  time  together ;  as  dear 
Margaret  Brown  once  said,  '  It  sweetens  the 
parting,'  but  no  way  opened  for  it.  I  had  an 
idea  that  some,  if  not  all  of  you,  felt  as  I  did, 
but  a  diffidence  in  us  all  kept  us  from  making 
an  effort  for  it.  In  former  times  such  oppor- 
tunities were  frequent,  and  were  seasons  of  in- 
struction, comfort  and  encouragement.  I  fear 
now,  too  many  amongst  us  are  not  as  willing 
at  times  to  cease  from  social  converse,  as  would 
tend  to  our  spiritual  strength. 


184  Memoir  of 

"  Oflatter  years  the  state  of  our  Society  has 
looked  discouraging,  as  to  its  continuation. 
Many  of  its  burden-bearers  have  been  removed 
from  works  to  rewards,  and  where  are  there 
any  devoted  enough  to  fill  their  places  ?  In 
my  last  two  visits  to  your  Yearly  Meeting,  I 
felt  encouraged  in  the  belief  that  there  was  an 
increase  of  ballast  in  the  ship  that  has  been 
tossed  on  the  waves  of  human  wisdom  and 
contrivance ;  and  if  there  is  an  abiding  under 
the  weight  of  exercise  that  tends  to  draw  our 
attention  and  our  hope  only  to  Omnipotence, 
who  alone  can  say 'Peace,  be  still,'  those  things 
which  now  cause  unsettlement  will  ere  long  pass 
away,  and  Truth  will  reign  triumphant  over  all. 

"  I  travail  in  spirit,  dear  friends,  for  your  en- 
couragement to  do  your  own  work,  now  in 
the  daytime ;  whatever  your  Divine  Master 
bids  you  do,  that  do,  and  nothing  more.  If 
I  am  not  mistaken,  you  will  be  called  to 
labor  more  extensively  in  the  Lord's  vine- 
yard than  heretofore.  If  so,  do  not  with- 
hold full  and  entire  obedience  ;  for  when 
He  puts  forth  His  own,  He  goes  before  and 
makes  a  way,  and  is  a  present  helper  in  the 


Rachel  Hicks.  185 

needful  time.  You  may  have  to  encourage 
others,  whose  hands  are  ready  to  hang  down. 
Several  friends  told  me  after  your  last 
Yearly  Meeting  that  they  were  entirely  dis- 
couraged ;  dear was  one  ;  if  you  see 

her  please  give  her  my  love,  and  tell  her  she 
must  do  her  own  work  to  save  her  own  soul, 
let  others  do  as  they  may.  I  believe  the  lan- 
guage of  the  Spirit  to  her  and  to  us  all  is, 
'  What  is  that  to  thee  ?  Follow  thou  me.' 

"  You  are  all  much  younger  than  she  who  now 
addresses  you,  and  may  have  much  to  do  in  sav- 
ing the  '  Ark  '  of  the  testimony  from  the  hands 
of  the  '  Philistines  ;  '  or  in  other  words,  to 
maintain  our  testimonies,  especially  that  to  the 
sufficiency  of  the  Divine  Spirit  in  man  to  lead 
into  all  Truth.  There  are  those  who,  although 
they  have  heard  with  the  outward  ear,  seem 
not  to  know  that  there  is  a  Holy  Spirit  in  man, 
and  who  would  lead  others  also  to  believe  that 
reason  is  a  sufficient  guide  to  reformation. 
These  have  caused  much  exercise  of  mind  to 
many  who  see  no  other  way  to  the  kingdom  of 
Heaven  than  by  the  daily  cross;  or.  to  reform 
the  errors  of  mankind  than  to  wait  for  qualifica- 


1 86  Memoir  of 

tion  and  command  from  Him  who  '  will  not  give 
His  glory  to  another  nor  His  praise  to  graven 
images.' 

"  In  our  own  Yearly  Meeting,  it  is  won- 
derful to  see  how  gradually  those  who  were 
once  full  of  words  have  passed  out  of  sight. 
Several  meetings  have  gone  down,  and  others 
are  very  small,  but  a  few  are  holding  out  in 
faithfulness,  and  my  prayer  oft  is  to  the  Father 
to  send  forth  other  laborers,  but  whether  '  the 
fields  are  white  already  to  harvest,'  I  cannot 
tell.  It  may  be,  that  a  day  of  trouble  may 
bring  us  to  the  Master's  feet. 

"  I  am  glad  that  your  little  band  feel  satisfied 
with  your  visit  to  New  York.  Sometimes  in 
looking  back,  I  feel  that  there  was  not  all  the 
attention  paid  to  you  that  there  should  have 
been  ;  if  so,  I  think  it  was  not  for  want  of  love 
and  good  will.  Perhaps  the  next  time  you 
will  come  to  Long  Island  to  visit  Friends  here. 
I  live  in  an  old  mansion  in  which  many  good 
Friends  have  been  entertained.  To  receive  you 
all  would  afford  great  satisfaction  to  your  sin- 
cere and  attached  friend, 

"RACHEL   HICKS." 


Rachel  Hicks.  187 

"WESTBURY,  4th  mo.,  29th,  1864. 

**  MY  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  I  look  forward  to  our  Yearly  Meeting,  and 
I  have  no  doubt  that  thou  dost  to  yours  with  a 
weight  of  exercise  not  easily  described.  Many 
of  the  burden-bearers  have  passed  away,  and 
their  places  seem  vacant ;  yet  there  must  be 
some  living  members  of  the  Church  militant  still 
left,  or  growing  up  among  us,  although  not  seen 
by  the  outward  eye,  for  in  many  of  our  meetings 
the  divine  life  is  felt  to  hover  over  us  and  cover 
us  as  a  mantle. 

"  We  thought  our  Quarterly  Meeting  last 
week  was  a  favored  season  ;  more  so  than 
we  would  have  expected  from  the  low  state 
of  our  poor  Society.  We  had  no  strangers 
with  us,  but  evidence  was  given  that  a  living 
gospel  ministry  is  still  vouchsafed  to  us.  My 
faith  is  strong  that  if  we  were  all  in  humility 
sitting  at  the  feet  of  our  Divine  Master,  and 
looking  to  Him  for  help,  He  would  deliver  us 
from  the  unsound  and  lifeless  preaching  that  is 
now  doing  so  much  harm  amongst  us ;  in  some 

o  o 

instances,  driving  the  young  to  a  hireling  and 
mercenary  priesthood. 


1 88  Memoir  of 

"  Like  thee,  I  have  been  from  home  but 
little  for  the  past  two  years.  What  the 
coming  summer  and  autumn  may  bring  forth 
I  do  not  know,  but  if  called  to  labor  I  think  it 
will  be  in  our  own  Yearly  Meeting.  Many  of 
the  meetings  composing  it  are  very  small ;  ac- 
cording to  present  prospect,  some  of  them  will 
ere  long  go  entirely  down.  What  a  cause  of  re- 
gret that  this  Society  should,  like  the  primitive 
church,  after  two  centuries,  fall  away  to  a  small 
remnant,  which  may  for  a  season  be  permitted 
to  hide  itself  in  the  wilderness  of  this  world,  and 
then  again,  through  suffering  outwardly,  as 
well  as  inwardly,  come  out  and  stand  before  the 
world,  bearing  the  same  important  testimonies 
this  people  so  nobly  bore  in  the  beginning. 

"  I  might  say  much  on  this  subject,  but  must 
now  leave  it.  Thy  affectionate 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 

"  WESTBURY,  i2th  mo.,  26th,  1864. 
"  MY  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  Absence  from  home  for  several  weeks  since 
I  saw  thee,  and  an  abiding  sense  of  my  inca- 
pacity to  portray  my  views  of  the  subject  on 


Rachel  Hicks.  189 

which  thou  requested  me  to  write,  is  the  apol- 
ogy for  this  long  seeming  neglect.  I  hope  thou 
wilt  excuse  me  and  any  error  I  may  make  in 
this  attempt. 

"  I  find  there  are  some  who  speak  of  man  as 
a  twofold  being, — body  and  soul — the  reason- 
ing powers  belonging  to  the  body.  I  would  not 
enter  into  controversy  with  these,  as  I  do  not 
consider  it  of  importance  which  view  we  take,  if 
in  all  things  we  devote  ourselves  to  do  the  will  of 
our  Creator,  as  manifested  in  the  secret  of  our 
own  souls. 

"  The  apostle,  in  addressing  the  Thessalo- 
nians,  says :  '  I  pray  God  your  whole  spirit 
and  soul  and  body  be  preserved  blameless/  etc., 
etc.  I  cannot  but  unite  in  this  threefold  view 
of  this  wonderful  creature — man.  '  How  pass- 
ing wonder  He  who  made  him  such  ! '  An 
animal  body  made  of  the  dust  of  the  earth,  sup- 
ported for  a  season  by  that  which  springs  out 
of  the  earth.  For  the  benefit,  comfort  and  con- 
venience of  these  earthly  bodies  man  is  en- 
dowed with  intellectual  powers,  which  we  call 
'  reason  ;'  also,  with  an  immortal  soul,  which  is 
to  live  through  a  never-ending  eternity.  To 


i  go  Memoir  of 

govern  this  threefold  being,  and  to  enable  it  to 
move  in  the  sphere  He  designed,  so  as  to 
answer  the  end  of  creation — which  is  to  glorify 
the  Creator  in  this  world,  and  be  glorified  with 
Him  in  the  world  to  come — He  the  beneficent, 
omniscient  Being,  by  the  overshadowing  of  His 
power  and  presence,  brought  forth  a  measure 
of  His  own  spirit  in  the  soul  of  man,  which  is 
His  son,  Christ  within,  the  hope  of  glory, 
Christ  the  Saviour  to  all  who  believe  and  are 
obedient  to  His  teachings. 

"  This  Divine  principle,  by  which  the  Society 
of  Friends  has  from  the  beginning  professed  to 
be  guided,  is  spoken  of  in  Scripture  by  different 
names.  It  is  called  '  Light,'  because  it  enlight- 
ens the  understanding,  the  intellectual  powers 
of  the  mind,  giving  man  to  see  what  is  good 
and  what  is  evil ;  what  is  right  and  what  is 
wrong  for  him  to  do ;  and  if  he  cling  to  the 
spirit  of  Truth,  it  leads  into  all  truth,  and  pre- 
serves from  all  error.  Thus,  '  spirit,  soul  and 
body  are  preserved  blameless.' 

"Instead  of  indulging  the  propensities  of  hu- 
man nature  beyond  the  limits  set  by  this  Divine 
Monitor,  the  obedient  soul  takes  up  the  cross 


Rachel  Hicks.  191 

daily,  so  as  in  all  things  to  say,  '  Thy  will  be 
done,  oh,  God!  and  not  mine.'  These  in  their 
daily  deportment  show  forth  the  Christian 
virtues,  meekness,  temperance,  patience  and 
brotherly  kindness,  breathing  in  spirit,  '  Glory 
to  God  in  the  highest !  and  on  earth  peace, 
good  will  toward  men  ;'  and  when  the  cry  shall 
be,  '  Behold,  the  bridegroom  cometh  ;  go  ye 
out  to  meet  him,'  these  are  ready  to  enter  into 
eternal  rest  and  peace. 

"  Thus  our  beneficent  Creator  has  given  man- 
kind the  means  of  preservation  from  temptation 
to  err,  so  that  we  be  not  tempted  above  what 
we  are  able  to  bear  or  resist.  In  His  inscruta- 
ble wisdom  He  has  constituted  man  a  free 
agent,  giving  him  the  poAver  of  choice,  whether 
he  will  do  the  will  of  his  Creator,  and  thus 
secure  happiness  here  and  eternal  happiness 
hereafter,  or  whether  he  will  indulge  his  natu- 
ral propensities  in  seeking  unrestrained  enjoy- 
ment in  the  pleasures  of  this  lower  world, 
bringing  on  himself  the  sad  consequences  of 
condemnation  of  conscience,  and  separation 
from  the  Divine  harmony. 

"The  propensities  of  human  nature  thus  be- 


192  Memoir  of 

coming  evil,  sin  produces  its  legitimate  fruits 
— avarice,  injustice,  unmercifulness,  oppression, 
war,  and  bloodshed.  Even  professed  Chris- 
tians are  arrayed  against  each  other  in  mortal 
combat,  clothing  a  nation  in  mourning  and 
woe.  May  it  not  be  said  of  our  once  highly 
favored  nation,  '  Thine  own  wickedness  shall 
correct  thee,  and  thy  backslidings  shall  reprove 
thee  ;  know,  therefore,  and  see  that  it  is  an  evil 
thing  and  bitter,  that  thou  hast  forsaken  the 
Lord  thy  God,  and  that  my  fear  is  not  in  thee.' 

"  Some  have  been  ready  to  say  that  it  would 
have  been  better  for  man  had  he  been  so  con- 
stituted that  he  could  not  sin  and  bring  upon 
himself  eternal  separation  from  the  Divine 
harmony,  and  be  also  the  cause  of  so  much 
suffering  in  the  world.  But  would  man  be 
happy  without  freedom  of  choice  ?  Nay,  verily  ! 

"  My  dear  young  friend,  if  this  does  not  sat- 
isfy thee  please  write  and  tell  me  so,  and  ask 
any  question  thee  feels  inclined  to.  In  genuine 
friendship,  which  I  believe  we  mutually  feel  for 
each  other,  there  is  freedom. 

"Thy  affectionate  friend, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 


Rachel  Hicks.  193 

"  WESTBURV,  2d  mo.,  i4th,  1865. 
"  MY  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  Thy  kind  and  interesting  letter  was  duly 
received  and  read  with  much  satisfaction  ;  also 
with  a  little  mortification  at  my  mistake  in 
supposing  from  thy  youthful  appearance  that 
thou  wast  unmarried.  Please  excuse  me,  on 
the  score  of  old  age  and  the  lack  of  the  quick 
perceptions  of  youth.  I  will  now  view  thee  as 
the  wife  and  the  mother — dignified  appella- 
tions— and  stations  of  great  and  solemn  respon- 
sibility. To  '  train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he 
should  go  '  is  an  important  duty.  If  the 
mother  especially,  be  concerned  in  all  things 
to  do  the  will  of  her  Heavenly  Father,  she 
will,  by  her  example  and  precept,  fully  dis- 
charge all  her  various  duties  to  her  children  ; 
and  even  should  some  of  them  wander  far  and 
wide,  the  language  concerning  her  will  be,  'Let 
her  alone  ;'  '  she  has  done  what  she  could.'  I 
rejoiced  to  perceive  that  thou  feelest  the 
weight  of  the  duties  of  a  mother,  because 
where  we  feel  our  own  insufficiency,  we  may 
look  to  that  source  and  fountain  of  strength 
that  never  fails  and  ask  wisdom  of  Him  who 
13 


194  Memoir  of 

1  giveth   to  all  men  liberally  and    upbraideth 
not.' 

"  I  noticed  thy  remarks  on  reading  the 
Scriptures.  I  do  not  wonder  that  there  are 
seasons  when  to  us  they  are  as  a  sealed  book  ; 
there  are  many  passages  we  do  not  understand  ; 
but  is  that  strange,  when  we  consider  that  they 
were  written  a  very  long  time  ago,  in  another 
language,  and  the  learned  tell  us,  that  transla- 
tors and  copyists  have  changed  many  passages  ? 
But  as  the  wise  Robert  Barclay  says,  '  None  of 
these  changes  affect  or  weaken  the  great  doc- 
trines of  the  Christian  religion.' 

"Abundant  testimony  is  recorded  by  holy 
men  of  old,  to  the  existence  of  the  one  true 
and  living  God,  who  created  all  things,  and 
that  He  reveals  His  will  to  man  immediately 
by  His  own  Spirit  in  the  soul  ;  and  if  we  read 
the  Scriptures  with  our  minds  turned  to  Him, 
He  will,  in  His  own  time,  open  to  us  all  that 
is  necessary  for  us  to  know  ;  and  if  many  sen- 
tences are  ambiguous,  no  doubt  translators 
and  copyists  have  made  them  so.  This  I 
think  should  be  evidence  to  all  professing 
Christians  that  they  are  not  the  '  Word  of 


Rachel  Hicks.  195 

God,'  and  that  they  are  not  our  only  rule  of 
faith  and  practice,  but  a  secondary  means  of 
help  and  instruction  of  great  value. 

"Although  many  have  set  them  above  what 
they  were  designed  to  be,  there  is  a  necessity  for 
us  in  this  day  to  guard  against  any  influence  that 
would  set  them  below  what  they  were  designed 
to  be,  or  to  underestimate  their  intrinsic  excel- 
lence and  usefulness.  Most  especially  the  ex- 
ample and  precepts  of  the  Holy  Jesus  we  are 
bound  to  appreciate  and  be  thankful  for.  The 
philosopher  and  reasoner  may  write  and  labor 
to  lay  waste  all  these,  yet  my  consolation  is 
they  will  stand  through  all  coming  time,  and 
the  humble  and  devoted  soul  will  read  and  feel 
that  these  sayings  are  true,  and  that  they  ema- 
nated from  Him  who  is  love,  wisdom  and 
power.  What  can  we  teach  little  children  bet- 
ter than  to  love  God  above  all,  and  to  do  unto 
others  in  all  things  as  they  would  others  should 
do  unto  them?  The  subject  is  inexhaustible 
— but  I  must  conclude.  In  much  love  to  thee 
and  thy  family, 

"  Thy  friend, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 


196  Memoir  of 

"  WESTBURY,  3d  mo.,  i2th,  1865. 
"  MY  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  I  wish  thou  wast  here  that  I  might  talk 
with  thee  and  pour  out  my  feelings  to  thee, 
because  I  believe  thy  sympathy  would  flow. 
The  weight  grows  more  and  more  heavy  ;  at 
times  it  seems  greater  than  I  can  bear,  and  my 
dear  friends,  to  whom  I  used  to  pour  out  my 
burdens,  have  nearly  all  passed  away.  Why 
am  I  left  to  mourn  my  many  losses,  and  to 
oppress  the  few  that  remain  with  more  than 
their  share. 

"  Please  excuse  me,  dear  friend,  I  write  thus 
for  relief.  I  do  not  always  feel  so  weak,  but 
human  nature  pleads,  '  How  can  it  be  that  one 
so  old  should  be  required  to  undertake  a  long 
and  arduous  journey  ?  '  Am  I  mistaken  ?  If  I 
am,  I  think  our  Monthly  Meeting  will  feel  it 
and  take  the  load  on  themselves,  when  I  lay 
the  concern  before  them,  which  I  dare  not 
avoid,  if  when  the  time  comes,  I  feel  as  I  now 
do.  As  I  have  prayed  to  my  Heavenly  Father 
to  provide  helpers  and  armor-bearers,  and  as 
I  apprehend  that  thou  hast  had  some  present- 
iment of  this  concern,  I  cannot  but  feel  a 


Rachel  Hicks.  197 

hope  that  my  prayers  have  been  heard  and 
granted.  I  believe  I  shall  have  to  ask  for  a 
Minute  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  Phila- 
delphia and  the  meetings  composing  it.  *  *  * 
"  I  am  sorry  for  thy  husband.  I  think  he 
has  been  very  good  to  let  thee  go  as  much  as 
he  has  ;  but  most  likely  this  is  my  last  lengthy 
visit,  and  it  may  be  when  my  mind  attains  a 
full  resignation,  the  will  may  be  taken  for  the 
deed.  I  know  that  our  Father  in  Heaven  is 
good,  that  His  tender  mercy  is  over  all  His 
works,  and  that  it  endureth  forever.  Neither 
is  He  a  hard  Master,  requiring  duties  He  does 
not  give  ability  to  perform,  or  sacrifices  He 
does  not  abundantly  reward.  So,  tell  thy  hus- 
band his  reward  is  sure ;  and  I  have  faith  that 
if  he  gives  up  his  wife  for  a  season,  she  will  be 
returned  to  him  in  safety. 

"  I  remain  thine, 

"RACHEL   HICKS." 

"8th  mo.,  20th,  1865. 
"  DEAR  FRIENDS  : 

"  We  are  now  at  John  Brownell's,  not  far 
from  Penn's  Grove  Meeting-house,  and  remem- 


198  Memoir  of 

bering  your  request  that  I  should  inform  you 
once  in  a  while  of  our  whereabouts,  etc.,  and 
having  a  little  leisure  this  forenoon,  I  have 
taken  the  pen  to  tell  you  that  after  attending 
Fishing  Creek  Half  Year's  Meeting  and  those 
composing  it,  finding  Friends  so  busy  in  hay 
and  harvest  and  hands  to  help  scarce,  we  con- 
cluded it  best  for  us  to  go  home  and  wait  till 
they  got  through.  So  we  took  Stroudsburg 
Meeting  on  our  way  to  New  York,  and  visited 
-  in  her  beautiful  mountain  home,  where 
she  seems  to  preside  as  a  queen  beloved  and 
respected  by  all.  We  hear  she  has  obtained  a 
Minute  to  attend  Baltimore  Yearly  Meeting, 
and  as  it  is  indorsed  by  the  Quarterly  Meeting, 
we  suppose  she  intends  also  to  visit  some  if 
not  all  the  meetings  composing  it. 

"  But  to  return  to  our  history.  After  remain- 
ing at  home  about  four  weeks  attending  our  re- 
spective Quarterly  Meetings,  on  the  5th  inst. 
we  left  home  again,  and  went  to  Wilmington — 
(about  150  miles).  Next  day  we  attended 
Wilmington  and  Stanton  meetings,  and  since 
then  have  been  at  two  meetings  per  day,  except 
second  and  seventh  days,  when  the  friends  who 


Rachel  Hicks.  199 

laid  them  out  said,  '  The  women  must  wash 
and  bake.'  So  we  try  not  to  interfere  unnec- 
essarily with  the  lawful  concerns  of  this  life, 
although  that  which  is  to  come  is  of  so  much 
more  importance.  If  no  occurrence  prevents 
our  attending  Honesville  this  afternoon  and 
Fallowfield  and  Doerun  to-morrow,  we  shall 
have  visited  all  the  meetings  in  Concord  and 
Western  Quarters,  and  then  expect  to  go 
into  Cain  Quarter.  If  we  get  through  these 
in  season  we  may  attend  Buck's  Quarter. 

"We  hear  that  Ann  A.Townsend  and  Phebe 
W.  Foulke  and  David  Foulke  expect  to  attend 
Ohio  Yearly  Meeting,  so  we  see  the  poor  pil- 
grims are  going  to  and  fro  in  the  earth.  I 
hope  the  others  do  not  feel  as  I  often  do  when 
the  query  arises,  '  Of  what  avail  is  all  this 
labor  in  this  day  of  declension  ? ' 

"As  in  yours,  so  in  our  own  Yearly  Meeting, 
many  are  small,  or  attended  generally  by  very 
few ;  when  in  most,  if  not  in  all  places^  if 
all  the  members  would  go  under  religious 
concern,  they  would  undoubtedly  have  good 
respectable  meetings — as  the  great  Head  of 
the  Church  will  ever  be  with  those  who 


2OO  Memoir  of 

gather  in  His  name.  But  as  the  old  are  passing 
away,  and  many  who  are  left  a  little  longer 
must  soon  follow  ;  and  as  they  tell  us  the  young 
in  many  places  with  but  few  exceptions,  do 
not  feel  interest  enough  to  go,  unless  there  is 
some  remarkable  revival,  will  not  many  meet- 
ing5 g°  down  ?  But,  dear  friends,  let  us  not  be 
discouraged.  Remember  that  the  watchman 
on  the  walls  who  saw  an  enemy  approaching, 
and  gave  the  alarm,  saved  his  own  soul ; 
then  if  this  going  to  and  fro  giving  the  warn- 
ing when  required  will  save  one  soul,  surely  it 
is  enough,  and  of  more  value  than  all  the  labor. 
"  Oh,  then  !  whatever  you  find  for  you  to  do, 
do  it  in  the  might  and  strength  which  He  who 
commands  will  give,  whether  the  people  will 
hear  or  forbear.  Our  Heavenly  Father  is  good, 
and  permits  us  to  enjoy  the  wonders  and  beau- 
ties of  this  lower  world  as  we  pass  up  and  down 
in  it.  Sometimes  as  I  look  on  the  green  and 
fruitful  fields  and  forests,  I  think  I  see  the 
seeds  of  future  calamity  sown  in  this  very 
prosperity.  The  minds  of  many  seem  so  im- 
mersed in  it,  and  the  pleasing  things  which  it 
gives  them,  the  opportunity  and  means  to 


Rachel  Hicks.  201 

gratify  themselves  in,  that  afflictions  and  be- 
reavements even  sore  and  heavy,  may  be  in 
mercy  dispensed,  and  prove  blessings  in  dis- 
guise, so  that  we  may  see  and  feel  our  de- 
pendence upon  the  bountiful  Giver  of  every 
good  and  perfect  gift. 

"  Of  what  avail  would  it  be  to  plow  and  plant 
if  He  did  not  send  the  '  early  and  the  latter 
rain,'  and  cause  the  sun  to  shine  upon  and  fer- 
tilize the  earth  ?  This  I  fear  is  not  enough 
considered  by  many  who  rely  so  much  upon 
their  own  skill  and  wisdom.  Dear  friends, 
excuse  me  for  thus  pouring  out  my  feelings  to 
you,  as  it  affords  me  some  relief. 

"  Please  let  us  hear  from  you,  your  dear 
father,  Wm.  and  Rachel  Haines,  to  whom  my 
companions  unite  in  love  as  well  as  to  you  all. 
With  this  I  send  that  little  thing  you  asked 
for.*  I  feel  a  little  ashamed  to  hand  it  to  any 
one.  I  think  I  am  too  old — but  would  much 
like  to  have  yours  to  please  my  niece,  as  she 
boasts  of  her  collection  of  good  Friends.  Once 
more  adieu.  From  your  affectionate, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 

*  Her  photograph. 


2O2  Memoir  of 

"  WESTBURY,  2d  mo.,  23d,  1866. 
'Mv  DEAR  FRIEND: 

"Thy  kind  letter  of  I2th  mo.,  last,  and  the 
photographs  are  now  before  me.  Oh !  how  I 
love  to  look  at  them!  I  am  glad  that  I  do  not 
feel — as  some.' dear  ones  have  felt — restrained 
from  the  satisfaction  of  looking  at  the  counte- 
nance divine  of  those  I  love,  even  thus  depicted 
on  paper. 

"  There  is  nothing  in  this  lower  world,  so 
full  of  beauties  and  wonders,  the  work  of  om- 
nipotent power,  that  equals  the  human  face 
for  interest  and  instruction.  In  measure  it 
portrays  the  state  of  the  soul;  and  often  have 
I  been  edified  and  strengthened  by  looking  at 

o  J  o 

a  friend  whose  countenance  expressed  deep 
religious  exercise.  Hence  the  advantage  and 
propriety  of  Friends  of  this  class  occupying 
those  seats  in  our  meetings  which  face  the 
meeting.  I  well  remember  in  my  childhood 
how  the  solid  deportment  of  these  checked 
that  activity  that,  even  in  religious  meetings, 
children  and  some  youth  are  prone  to ;  and  I 
have  been  deeply  tried  in  most  of  the  meetings 
of  our  Society  to  see  the  reluctance  in  elderly 


Rachel  Hicks.  203 

and  apparently  concerned  Friends  to  take 
those  facing  seats,  and  men  and  women  draw- 
ing nearer  together  in  the  center  of  the  house. 
I  apprehend  the  fear  of  being  thought  forward 
and  desirous  of  taking  the  '  chief  seats  in  the 
synagogue'  is  the  main  reason  of  this  backward- 
ness ;  but  some  of  us  who  take  them  from  a 
sense  of  duty  feel  them  to  be  the  most  humili- 
ating of  all,  and  we  require  to  be  kept  humble. 

"  I  rejoiced  that  dear  H was  able  to  join 

the  committee  of  your  Quarterly  Meeting,  to 
visit  the  small  gatherings  in  various  places; 
these  evidences  of  living  concern  in  the  larger 
meetings,  to  look  up  the  remote  ones,  in  Gospel 
love,  is  very  encouraging.  I  hope  your  Yearly 
Meeting  will  continue  to  stand  on  the  founda- 
tion upon  which  it  first  grew  up — the  Divine 
power  and  spirit  of  the  Father — for  too  many 
amongst  us  seem  to  have  left  the  fundamental 
principles. 

"  I  have  desired  to  write  to  you,  dear  A.  and 
H.,  that  we  may  keep  up  this  correspondence; 
it  is  so  pleasant  to  hear  of  Friends  in  your 
neighborhood,  many  of  whom,  as  well  as  your- 
selves, so  kindly  ministered  to  our  wants,  when 


204  Memoir  of 

as  pilgrims  we  went  up  and  down  amongst  you. 
I  hope  you  will  have  an  abundant  reward. 

"  One  object  of  my  writing  now  is  to  ask  a 
favor  of  A.  When  I  was  with  you  re- 
lated to  me  (as  I  understood  him)  the  testi- 
mony of  an  Episcopal  minister,  concerning 
Elias  Hicks.  I  have  sometimes  repeated  it, 
but,  fearing  I  may  not  remember  it  exactly, 
I  desire  to  have  it  in  writing  from  him.  Wilt 
thou  give  my  love  to  him,  and  ask  him  to 
favor  me  with  a  copy  of  it  in  his  own  hand- 
writing; and  I  think  my  heart  will  overflow 
with  gratitude  and  thankfulness  for  it.  With 
much  love  to  you  both,  to  your  father,  and  to 
W.  and  R.  Haines, 

"  Thy  sincere  friend, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 

"  WESTBURY,  6th  mo.,  2/th,  1867. 
"  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  I  feel  that  I  can  no  longer  delay  making 
the  attempt  to  express  my  feelings  on  thy  late 
visit  to  New  York,  although  human  language 
is  not  adequate  to  portray  my  concern.  I  am 
tried  and  mortified,  fearing  no  one  found  thee 


Rachel  Hicks.  205 

until  it  was  too  late  to  give  thee  a  cordial  en- 
tertainment. 

"  I  felt  uneasy  at  leaving  thee  and  thy  dear 
daughter  at  the  Meeting-house,  not  know- 
ing where  she  and  her  father  were  going; 
but  as  I  do  not  trust  myself  (now  in  old  age) 
to  go  out  alone,  with  very  little  exception,  I 
had  to  leave  her  when  my  company  came  for 
me,  and  I  could  not  afterward  find  where  you 
were.  Please  write  and  tell  me,  and  yet  I 
dread  to  know,  fearing  you  were  not  in  the 
right  place.  It  is  not  an  easy  matter  now  to 
get  lodgings  near  the  Meeting-house,  Friends 
are  scattered  so  far  and  wide  in  the  two  great 
cities  of  New  York  and  Brooklyn.  But,  dear 
friends,  when  you  are  coming  again,  do  write 
either  to  me  or  to  Samuel  Willets,  303  Pearl 
street,  New  York,  that  a  home  may  be  ar- 
ranged for  you  when  you  arrive.  I  allude  to 
thee,  thy  dear  wife  or  daughter. 

"  When  I  have  thought  of  thee  lately,  the 
language  has  arisen,  '  Let  thy  light  shine.'  I 
do  not  believe  thou  dost  hide  it  either  '  under  a 
bed '  or  '  under  a  bushel ; '  then,  neither  in  a 
corner  nor  on  aback  seat  in  the  Meeting-house, 


206  Memoir  of 

nor  in  anyway  keeping  out  of  the  sight  of  thy 
friends.  I  do  not  wonder  at  thy  diffidence.  I 
have  often  felt  that  gladly  would  I  go  into  the 
*  cleft  of  the  rock  or  a  secret  place  of  the  stairs  ' 
and  hide  myself,  but  I  do  not  yet  feel  per- 
mitted to  do  so. 

"  Great  discouragements  are  felt,  but  we  must 
labor  for  the  salvation  of  our  own  souls  ;  we 
must,  therefore,  do  and  speak  all  that  our 
Father  in  Heaven  requires  of  us,  whether  the 
people  will  hear  or  forbear.  It  seems  to  me 
that  thou  and  thy  dear  wife  will  have  to  come 
and  labor  again  amongst  us.  There  are  yet  a 
few  who  have  '  not  bowed  the  knee  to  Baal  or 
kissed  his  image.'  Come  and  encourage  these 
little  ones,  and  warn  those  who  are  '  hewing  out 
cisterns  that  hold  no  water,'  as  you  feel  the 
Master  commands  and  qualifies  for  His  work. 

"  Your  letter  of  I2th  mo.,  '63,  is  now  before 
me.  The  reading  of  it  renews  the  feeling  of 
unity  and  sympathy  that  bound  us  together  ; 
and  also,  with  that  dear  brother  and  sister  who 
accompanied  you  in  your  first  visit  to  New 
York,  which  was  so  acceptable  to  us.  Dear 
friend,  I  do  not  wonder  at  thy  downcast  feelings 


Rachel  Hicks.  207 

at  coming  again,  but  do  not  be  discouraged. 
Remember  that  help  is  with  One  who  is  mighty 
and  able  to  save,  and  to  qualify  the  little  de- 
pendent ones  who  trust  in  Him.  He  will 
work  miracles  for  these,  making  a  way  where 
there  appears  to  be  no  path  to  walk  in.  In 
true  and  living  faith  take  one  step,  and  strength 
will  be  given  for  the  next. 

"  But  why  do  I  write  thus  to  a  father  in  Israel, 
who  is  better  qualified,  I  think,  to  instruct  me 
than  I  am  to  counsel  him  ?  But,  I  remember 
the  Lord's  prophet  formerly  sat  under  a  juni- 
per-tree, and  went  into  a  cave,  and  there  he 
patiently  hid  himself  and  waited  until  the  call 
was,  '  What  doest  thou  here,  Elijah  ?  Go  forth 
and  stand  upon  the  mount  before  the  Lord  ; ' 
and  there  he  was  told  what  to  do,  and  he  went 
and  performed  all  that  was  commanded  him. 

"Oh!  mayest  thou,  thy  dear  wife,  and  the  poor 
little  friend  who  now  writes  to  thee,  go  and  do 
likewise.  Although  our  duties  may  be  very 
small,  if  done  in  sincerity  to  our  God,  our  re- 
ward will  be  sure.  I  feel  that  my  day's  work 
is  nearly  accomplished  ;  not  much  more  going 
to  and  fro  on  the  earth  will  be  required  of  me, 


208  Memoir  of 

and  my  prayers  are  oft  put  up  that  well  quali- 
fied laborers  may  be  sent  into  the  vineyard, 
to  gather  to  the  one  Shepherd  and  one  fold. 

"  I  am  weary  of  discussion  about  doctrines 
and  opinions,  and  long  to  feel  life  to  rise  in 
dominion,  uniting  us  together  in  love  one  to 
another,  and  to  our  Father  in  Heaven. 

"  In  love  to  thee  and  thine,  thy  friend, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 


"WESTBURY, ,  1868. 

"  RESPECTED  FRIEND  : 

"  I  take  the  pen  to  say  to  thee,  that  thy  let- 
ter which  I  received  yesterday  was  as  a  brook 
by  the  way,  cheering  and  comforting  the 
thirsty  and  weary  traveler. 

I  rejoice  that  your  Monthly  Meeting  has 
sustained  its  dignity  in  maintaining  two  of 
our  important  testimonies — against  an  un- 
authorized ministry  and  war — in  so  patient 
and  quiet  a  manner;  thus  allowing  those 
who  thought  they  could  by  their  eloquence 
carry  out  their  wishes,  time  and  opportunity 
to  try  their  strength.  But  your  trust  being 


Rachel  Hicks.  209 

in  a  Higher  power  than  man,  you  in  a  solemn 
manner  bore  your  testimony  to  good  order 
in  the  Truth,  showing  that  Truth  is  strongest, 
and  will  prevail,  if  we  abide  under  its  teaching 
and  influence. 

"  I  have  long  thought  that  if  you,  the  rightly 
exercised  in  your  meeting,  kept  a  patient  re- 
liance on  Him  who  rules  and  overrules  the 
children  of  men,  He  would,  in  His  own  time, 
make  a  way  for  your  deliverance.  But  as 
thou  remarkest,  your  '  trials  are  not  yet  over.' 
You  must  continue  to  put  your  trust  in  the  same 
Almighty  Power,  and  He  will  carry  you  through 
troubles  that  may  come ;  and  it  seems  to  me,  if 
you  are  all  watchful,  prayerful  and  obedient, 
that  a  living  gospel  ministry  will  be  raised 
up  in  your  meeting ;  but  oh !  the  bap- 
tisms, the  self-abasedness,  that  must  be  ex- 
perienced to  prepare  the  instrument  for  this 
work. 

"  I  have  sometimes  in  my  sympathy  for  such, 
felt  that  were  it  possible  I  would  willingly  en- 
dure these  for  them  ;  but  we  must  each  one  en- 
dure our  own  conflicts,  and  work  out  our  own 
soul's  salvation,  through  and  by  the  power  our 
14 


2io  Memoir  of 

Heavenly  Father  gives,  and  then  to  Him  all 

the  glory  will  be  ascribed. 

*  *  *  *  •* 

"  In  love  to  thy  children  and  thyself, 
"  Thy  friend, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 

"WESTBURY,  2d  mo.,   IQth,  1 868. 

"DEAR  FRIEND: 

"I  take  my  pen  to  inform  thee  that  our 
Monthly  Meeting  has  no  library  of  Friends' 
books,  nor  has  it  received  any  from  our  Yearly 
Meeting's  committee,  except  a  few  which  I 
have  asked  for  to  give  to  individuals  to  keep  as 
their  own.  I  believe  the  object  of  this  concern 
was,  to  use  the  interest  of  our  Yearly  Meeting 
fund  in  this  way.  Dear  Caroline  and  myself 
when  traveling,  found  so  many  young  families 
without  Friends'  books  that  we  felt  a  united 
concern  to  make  the  proposition  to  the  Yearly 
Meeting.  Therefore  I  hope  the  committee  will 
be  encouraged  in  the  good  work,  and  I  rejoice 
we  have  one  so  capable  and  devoted.  Although 
books  are  not  needed  here,  I  hope  you  will 
look  up  young  housekeepers  who  may  not  feel 


Rachel  Hicks.  211 

able  to  buy  them,  but  would  be  glad  to  get 
them. 

"  I  think  the  original  Minute  says  '  Friends' 
books  approved  by  the  Society.'  It  is  our  duty 
to  do  all  we  can  for  our  Society  in  secondary 
helps,  but  after  all,  nothing  will  save  it  but  a 
deep  indwelling  of  spirit  and  individual  obedi- 
ence to  manifested  duty,  as  made  known  by  our 
Holy  Head. 

"  I  trust  you  are  getting  along  comfortably 
in  your  meeting.  I  have  long  had  faith  to  be- 
lieve that  as  you  looked  to  the  Source  of  all 
good,  you  would  realize  deliverance. 

"  In  much  love,  thy  affectionate, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 

"  WESTBURY,  /th  mo.,  2d,  1868. 
"  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  I  have  just  finished  a  letter  to  P.  W.  C., 
giving  her  an  account  of  the  death  of  thy  dear 
husband.  How  frequent  are  these  dispensa- 
tions !  Which  of  us  will  go  next  we  do  not 
know.  I  think  I  can  truly  say,  it  is  my  con- 
stant concern  to  be  ready.  The  world,  with  its 
beauties  and  attractions,  is  fading  in  my  view, 


212  Memoir  of 

and  I  have  nothing  to  rejoice  in  but  the  glory 
of  God's  salvation. 

"  At  times  the  language  to  my  soul  is,  '  A 
mansion  is  prepared  for  thee  in  Heaven, 
if  thou  holdest  out  until  the  end,  doing 
the  will  of  thy  Father  there.'  I  trust  this 
is  thy  experience  also :  then  we  will  be 
willing  to  wait  a  little  longer  for  an  entrance 
into  that  city  whose  '  walls  are  salvation  and 
whose  gates  are  praise.'  Often  the  desire  of 
my  heart  is  to  have  admittance  just  within  the 
gates  :  it  is  all  I  dare  to  ask.  The  language  of 
my  spirit  is,  '  I  am  not  worthy  to  sit  on  Thy 
right  hand  or  on  Thy  left,  but  the  lowest  seat 
where  I  can  behold  Thy  majesty  and  Thy  glory 
is  enough.' 

"  Now,  thou  art  weaned  from  the  world, 
but,  dear  friend,  try  and  bear  up  ;  there  still 
may  be  a  work  for  thee  to  do.  How  thy  ser- 
vices are  needed  !  I  have  no  idea  that  be- 
cause we  lose  a  near  and  dear  friend,  we  can- 
not go  to  meeting,  or  that  we  cannot  do  any- 
thing more  for  our  Society.  Oh,  no  !  if  we  do 
our  duty  to  our  Heavenly  Father,  He  will  sus- 
tain and  carry  us  over  the  waves  of  affliction 


Rachel  Hicks.  213 

which  otherwise  would  overwhelm.     It  seems 
to  me   that  thou  canst  say,  'Thou  hast  given, 
and  Thou  hast  taken  away,  blessed  be    Thy 
name.'     Here  I  leave  thee  in  His  arms. 
"  Farewell  —  in  love  I  am  thy  friend, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 


"  WESTBURY,  i2th  mo.,  isth,  1868. 
"  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

u  *  *  *  Cares  are  good  for  us  :  to  raise 
the  poor  drooping  mind  from  dwelling  too  much 
on  the  dear  ones  we  have  lost.  I  know  it  by 
experience,  for  my  mind  often  wanders  back  to 
scenes  passed  away  except  in  memory.  I  think 
the  last  anniversary  of  my  dear  son  Abraham's 
death,  was  as  vivid  as  any  which  preceded  it, 
although  I  could  say,  fourteen  years  ago  this 
day  he  passed  to  a  glorious  reward  for  his  care- 
ful and  devoted  life.  Oh  !  how  I  longed  to  pass 
away  with  him  !  but  I  see  that  we  have  to  be 
willing  to  live,  as  well  as  willing  to  die  ;  and  if 
we  are  carefully  engaged  to  do  our  Master's 
will  in  all  things,  ere  long  we  shall  join  those 
who  have  gone  a  little  before  us. 


214  Memoir  of 

"  I  believe  that  there  are  many  round  about 
us  who  wonder  and  inquire  why  it  is  our 
meetings  are  so  small.  I  remember  once  when 
from  home,  a  man  who  I  thought  was  a  Meth- 
odist minister,  asked  me  why  it  was  that  our 
Society  did  not  increase  as  the  Methodists'  did. 

"  I  replied  that  I  thought  the  great  reason 
was  that  our  religion  required  us  to  take  up  the 
daily  cross  and  live  a  life  of  self-denial  to  our 
human  propensities,  which  was  hard  to  the 
creature  to  give  up  to,  in  a  day  of  outward 
prosperity  and  ease,  such  as  we  are  now  tried 
with.  But  if  a  day  of  trouble  and  persecution 
should  come,  many  would  feel  that  they  needed 
a  Comforter  within  them ;  an  omnipotent  arm 
to  lean  upon,  to  carry  them  through  and  over 
the  waves  of  affliction  that  beat  upon  them. 
To  realize  this,  they  would  have  to  make  a  full 
surrender,  and  sincerely  say,  '  Not  my  will,  but 
Thine,  Oh  !  God,  be  done.'  It  was  my  feeling 
that  then,  our  Society  would  undoubtedly  in- 
crease. But  the  religion  of  many  other  sects 
seems  to  allow  indulgences  in  the  fashions 
and  pleasures  of  this  world.  They  can  sub- 
scribe to  creeds,  rites  and  ceremonies  in  wor- 


Rachel  Hicks.  2i5 

ship,  etc.,  which  please  human  nature,  and  so 
they  increase.     He  made  me  no  reply,  and  we 

parted. 

***** 

"  Thy  affectionate, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS.' 

"WESTBURY,  L.  I.,  nth  mo.,  25th,  1869. 
"  ESTEEMED  FRIEND  : 

"When  I  opened  thy  letter  of  the  I4th  inst. 
I  felt  pleased  to  see  thy  name  subscribed,  as  an 
evidence  thou  hast  not  forgotten  me ;  but, 
when  I  read  the  subject  thou  asked  me  to  write 
upon,  I  felt  it  was  more  than  I  was  capable  of. 
It  is  a  subject  that  has  prompted  discussion 
and  controversy  ever  since  the  fourth  century 
among  professed  Christians,  and  it  has  never 
been  finally  settled.  But,  after  all,  each  one 
must  be  left  to  his  own  judgment  and  feelings 
on  the  subject. 

"  Thou  art  aware  that  our  religious  Society 
— at  least  our  branch  of  it — sometimes  called 
'  Hicksites/  has  never  had  a  formal  written 
creed  to  which  we  must  subscribe,  although  it 
is  necessary  to  unite  on  important  points,  that 


21 6  Memoir  of 

harmony  may  be  preserved.  We  do  believe  in 
the  existence  of  the  one,  eternal,  omnipotent, 
omnipresent  God,  and  in  His  Son,  whom  He 
hath  brought  forth  in  every  rational  soul,  by 
the  overshadowing  of  His  power  and  presence, 
which  is  the  '  Christ  within,'  the  Saviour,  to 
every  one  who  believeth  and  is  obedient  to 
His  teachings. 

"  As  to  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  I  will  comply 
with  thy  request  to  give  my  own  views,  which, 
as  far  as  I  know,  are  held  by  our  Society,  with 
very  few  exceptions. 

"  I  believe  the  testimony  He  gave  of  Him- 
self when  He  said  to  Pilate,  'To  this  end  was 
I  born,  and  for  this  cause  came  I  into  the 
world,  that  I  should  bear  witness  unto  the 
truth.'  We  see  that  He  faithfully  bore  testi- 
mony to  the  immutable  principles  of  pure  and 
undefiled  religion,  which  are  termed  the  Chris- 
tian religion,  because  it  was  exemplified  in  the 
doctrines  He  taught,  and  the  perfect  example 
He  set. 

"  This  is  the  greatest  and  most  important 
mission  to  the  world  ever  performed  by  any 
personage  that  has  appeared  in  it.  There- 


Rachel  Hicks.  217 

fore,  in  the  wisdom,  love  and  power  of  the 
Almighty  Father,  who  sent  Him  for  this  great 
purpose,  He  endued  Him  with  a  degree  of 
Divine  wisdom  and  power  which  no  other  has 
a  right  to  claim  or  aspire  after,  to  teach 
spiritual  truths  and  a  spiritual  worship  ;  also, 
when  smitten  on  one  cheek  to  turn  the  other 
also,  instead  of  contending ;  and,  in  connection 
with  all  this,  the  principles  of  a  holy  religion, 
which,  if  lived  in,  would  reform  the  world  of 
mankind.  To  teach  these  spiritual  truths  to  a 
people  who  were  looking  in  their  expectations 
and  desires  for  a  king  to  restore  the  outward 
kingdom  they  had  lost  by  their  transgressions, 
required  all  the  manifestations  of  power  in  the 
miracles  He  wrought  in  connection  with  the 
authority  in  which  He  spake  to  the  people. 
Not  only  in  that  great  Sermon  on  the  Mount, 
but  at  all  other  seasons,  he  testified  that  He 
was  the  Messiah,  sent  of  God  to  instruct  the 
Jews  in  a  higher  and  purer  morality  than 
they  were  prepared  for  when  Moses  gave 
them  the  law.  This  was  adapted  to  their  state 
and  condition  at  that  time;  but  it  was  His 
mission  to  teach  them  and  all  others,  to 


218  Memoir  of 

worship  God  in  spirit  and  in  truth,  in  which 
all  the  offerings  of  slain  beasts  were  to  be  dis- 
pensed with,  and  also  the  labor  the  priests 
had  to  perform  in  burnt  offerings,  etc. 

"  Most  surely  all  that  the  New  Testament 
sets  forth  of  the  Holy  Jesus,  the  Son  and  sent 
of  God,  required  all  the  power  and  wisdom  He 
showed  forth  while  in  that  body  miraculously 
brought  into  being.  But  it  was  the  Divine 
power  in  Him  that  constituted  the  sonship. 
He  ascribed  all  power  and  glory  to  the  Father. 
He  said,  '  I  do  nothing  of  myself,  but  as  my 
Father  has  taught  me  I  speak  these  things, 
and  He  that  sent  me  is  with  me.  The  Father 
hath  not  left  me  alone,  for  I  do  always  those 
things  that  please  Him.'  Here  was  the  unity 
He  spake  of  when  He  said,  '  I  and  the  Father 
are  one.'  '  The  words  that  I  speak  unto  you 
I  speak  not  of  myseif,  but  the  Father  that 
dwelleth  in  me,  he  doeth  the  works.'  Again, 
He  said,  'I  am  the  door  of  the  sheep.'  '  I  am 
the  way,  and  the  truth,  and  the  life.'  '  Before 
Abraham  was  I  am.'  Now  the  I  and  the  Me 
He  so  often  speaks  of  was  the  Divinity  that 
was  in  Him. 


Rachel  Hicks.  219 

"  And  now,  dear  friend,  I  leave  Him  ac- 
cording to  His  own  testimony.  I  have  a 
reverence  for  Jesus  Christ,  because  of  the 
Divinity,  the  power  and  wisdom  that  dwelt  in 
Him ;  but  oh !  words  cannot  portray  the  sol- 
emn reverence  that  oft  bows  my  soul  before 
the  one  true  and  living  God,  the  Creator  of  all 
things,  in  thankfulness  that  the  whole  human 
family  are  accepted  of  Him,  if  they  individu- 
ally, in  sincerity  of  heart,  endeavor  to  do  always 
the  things  that  please  Him,  as  He  reveals 
His  will  to  them  by  His  spirit  in  their  souls. 
Then  we  shall  appreciate,  as  an  unspeakable 
favor,  the  coming,  the  ministry,  the  example 
of  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  record  of  Him  which 
is  preserved,  so  that  we  can  read  and  be  in- 
structed thereby. 

"  It  is  a  great  favor  to  be  instructed  in 
the  way  we  should  go,  and  to  be  taught  in 
early  life  to  keep  the  first  and  greatest  com- 
mandment, '  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy 
God  with  all  thy  might,  mind  and  strength  ;  ' 
and  the  second,  which  is  like  unto  it,  to  '  Love 
thy  neighbor  as  thyself.'  Jesus  also  taught, 
'  Love  your  enemies,  bless  them  that  curse 


220  Memoir  of 

you,  do  good  to  them  that  hate  you,  and  pray 
for  them  which  despitefully  use  you,  that  ye 
may  be  the  children  of  your  Father  which  is 
in  Heaven  ; '  also,  in  all  things  to  do  unto 
others  as  we  would  they  should  do  unto  us. 
All  of  His  precepts  and  commandments  are 
binding  upon  us,  as  we  call  ourselves  by 
His  name ;  which  name  or  title  of  Christian 
was  given  to  believers  because  they  were 
Christ-like.  Again,  He  said,  '  He  that  hath 
my  commandments,  he  it  is  that  loveth  me.' 

"  I  would  like  that  those  who  say  we 
Friends  are  infidels  were  queried  with,  '  Is 
it  your  constant  care  and  concern  to  keep 
all  the  commandments  of  Christ,  who  said, 
"Swear  not  at  all  and  Put  thy  sword  into 
its  sheath  "  ?  '  Do  their  ministers  remem- 
ber the  command  to  those  He  sent?  'Take 
no  thought  beforehand  what  ye  shall  speak, 
neither  do  ye  premeditate ;  but  whatsoever 
shall  be  given  you  in  that  hour,  that  speak  ye, 
for  it  is  not  ye  that  speak,  but  the  Holy  Ghost.' 
'  Freely  ye  have  received,  freely  give.'  If  they  do 
all  these  things,  then  may  they  rejoice  in  that 
testimony  of  the  Holy  Jesus  at  the  close  of 


Rachel  Hicks.  221 

His  Sermon  on  the  Mount,  'Therefore,  who- 
soever heareth  these  sayings  of  mine  and  cloeth 
them,  I  will  liken  him  unto  a  wise  man,  which 
built  his  house  upon  a  rock;  and  the  rain  de- 
scended, and  the  floods  came,  and  the  winds 
blew,  and  beat  upon  that  house,  and  it  fell  not, 
for  it  was  founded  upon  a  rock.' 

"  I  would  that  professing  Christians  every- 
where might  ponder  on  these  sayings,  and  live 
in  accordance  therewith,  for  Jesus  also  said, 
'  And  every  one  that  heareth  these  sayings  of 
mine  and  doeth  them  not,  shall  be  likened  unto 
a  foolish  man,  which  built  his  house  upon  the 
sand;  and  the  rain  descended,  and  the  floods 
came,  and  the  winds  blew,  and  beat  upon  that 
house,  and  it  fell,  and  great  was  the  fall  of 
it.' 

"  Dear  friend,  I  have  in  my  feeble  manner 
given  thee  my  views  of  the  mission  of  Jesus 
Christ.  As  far  as  I  can  judge,  our  members 
generally  unite  therein,  though  we  may  not 
always  use  the  same  terms  when  speaking  of 
Him. 

"Thy  affectionate  friend, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 


222  Memoir  of 

"  WESTBURY,  6th  mo.,  igth,  1870. 
"  MY  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  In  reading  thy  late  acceptable  letter  I  felt  a 
fear  that  them  wast  giving  way  to  undue  dis- 
couragement because  of  the  omission  of  some 
known  duty  to  thy  Heavenly  Father.  But 
then  it  occurred  to  me,  how  much  better  to 
feel  thus,  than  to  be  dwelling  upon  what  we 
suppose  are  our  great  and  good  works,  which 
is  a  sad  and  sorrowful  state  to  be  in. 

"  In  thy  loneliness  and  sadness  thou  queriest, 
'Am  I  alone  in  this  ? '  Dear  friend,  very  far  from 
it — have  not  the  righteous  in  all  ages  had  their 
deep  baptisms,  their  various  trials  and  bereave- 
ments? The  living  members  of  our  Society, 
from  its  rise  down  to  the  present  time,  have 
recorded  their  exercises,  which  have  been  hand- 
ed down  to  us  for  our  help  and  encouragement ; 
for  instance,  John  Woolman,  Job  Scott  and 
others.  In  reading  these,  the  query  has  arisen 
in  my  mind,  '  Why  should  such  faithfully  ded- 
icated servants  of  the  Most  High  have  to  pass 
through  such  deep  exercises? '  The  response 
is — '  They  are  necessary  to  keep  the  mind 
humbly  bowed  at  the  feet  of  the  Divine  Mas- 


Rachel  Hicks.  223 

ter,  and  make  them  feel  their  dependence  upon 
Him,  to  qualify  for  every  good  word,  and  work, 
and  thus  realize  peace  of  mind  here  on  earth 
and  joy  unspeakable  in  the  world  to  come.' 
And  as  our  Eternal  Father  is  unchangeable, 
we  in  our  day — and  the  generations  yet  to 
come — have  to  endure  similar  trials,  to  redeem 
and  purify  the  soul,  so  as  to  keep  it  clean  in 
His  sight. 

"  What  would  this  world  be  without  the 
winds,  the  storms,  and  the  rains,  and  may  we 
not  say  the  whirlwind  and  the  earthquake? 
Continual  sunshine  would  soon  dry  up  the 
vegetable  kingdom,  and  consequently  famine 
and  desolation  would  ensue.  Then,  dear  friend, 
let  us  pray  for  patient  resignation,  to  endure 
the  turning  and  overturning  of  the  Lord's  hand 
upon  us,  until  He  is  pleased  to  say,  '  It  is 
enough.'  Then  with  David  we  can  say,  '  I 
waited  patiently  for  the  Lord,  and  He  inclined 
unto  me  and  heard  my  cry.  He  brought  me 
up  also  out  of  an  horrible  pit,  out  of  the  miry 
clay,  and  set  my  feet  upon  a  rock,  and  estab- 
lished my  goings,  and  He  hath  put  a  new  song 
in  my  mouth,  even  praises  unto  our  God ! ' 


224  Memoir  of 

Surely  this  is  worth  all  we  can  endure, — and 
what  can  we  ask  for  more  ?  All  this  thou 
knowest  right  well — and  I  also  know  thy  feel- 
ings when  thou  sayest,  '  Of  what  use  have  I 
ever  been  in  the  world?'  If  we  have  ever  been 
of  any  real  benefit  to  others,  it  is  best  for  us 
not  to  be  aware  of  it,  lest  we  might  be  tempted 
to  boast.  Although  we  may  not  be  always 
able  to  wear  our  sackcloth  under  a  smiling  face, 
yet  the  expression  of  deep  exercise  in  the  coun- 
tenance may  have  an  effect  on  some  minds,  and 
induce  a  serious  thoughtfulness  useful  to  them. 
"  Our  forefathers  had  much  to  endure  from 
persecution,  censure  and  ridicule.  They  were 
bowed  down  under  it  all,  seeking  strength  of 
Him  who  alone  could  enable  them  to  hold  on 
their  way  heavenward  ;  and  by  their  faithful- 
ness, uprightness,  love  to  each  other,  and  to  the 
whole  human  family — in  short  by  their  Christian 
deportment — they  gained  the  admiration  and 
toleration  of  their  opposers.  Well  may  Samuel 
M.  Janney  say,  in  concluding  the  first  volume 
of  his  History  of  Friends:  'Being  thus  faithful 
unto  death,  they  received  the  crown  of  eternal 
life,  and  bequeathed  to  posterity  examples 


Rachel  Hicks.  22$ 

of  holiness  and  fidelity  that  have  seldom  been 
equaled  in  any  age  of  the  world.'  We  of 
this  generation,  with  the  other  inhabitants  of 
Christendom,  are  enjoying  the  fruits  of  their 
patient  suffering  and  labor.  They  were  instru- 
ments in  the  Divine  Hand  of  opening  the  eyes 
of  those  in  authority  to  see  the  inconsistency  of 
persecuting  others  who  differed  from  them  in 
their  religious  doctrines  and  practices. 

"  I  wish  that  our  young  friends  would  read 
and  see  for  themselves,  how  nobly  our  prede- 
cessors, under  divine  authority  and  wisdom, 
plead  with  the  potentates  of  the  earth  for 
liberty  of  conscience  for  all  men — and  by  the 
Divine  blessing,  were  they  not  successful  ? 
What  have  been  the  persecutions  in  these  na- 
tions since  they  ceased  persecuting  Friends? 

"  And  now,  shall  we  in  this  day,  rise  up 
in  judgment  and  say  that  they  and  their 
successors  in  faithfulness  to  their  sense  of 
religious  duty  were  too  strict  and  reserved  ? 
As  thou  sayest,  truly  some  individuals  may 
have  been  so ;  but  generally,  I  believe  they  la- 
bored in  sincerity  to  train  up  their  children 
and  others  under  their  care,  in  the  way  they 
15 


226  Memoir  of 

believed  they  ought  to  go,  in  dress,  language 
and  deportment,  and  steadily  to  attend  all  our 
meetings,  etc.,  etc.  And  I  think  mostly  the 
youth,  seeing  and  feeling  the  religious  concern 
of  their  parents,  elders  and  friends,  rather  than 
grieve  them,  would  take  up  the  cross  to  their 
own  inclinations.  I  know  this  in  my  own  ex- 
perience ;  and  now  in  old  age  I  look  back  to  my 
youthful  days  in  this  respect  with  great  satis- 
faction. But  then  we  had  plenty  of  company, 
as  our  associates  walked  in  the  same  path. 
And  I  remember  too,  about  sixty  years  ago, 
when  our  Yearly  Meeting  was  held  in  Pearl 
Street,  New  York,  at  the  rise  of  the  First  Day 
Morning  Meeting,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
street  would  stand  a  crowd  of  young  men  and 
boys  to  look  at  the  '  pretty  Quaker  girls  '  when 
they  came  out  of  meeting.  A  Friend  who 
lived  in  the  city  was  asked  why  the  Quaker 
girls  were  so  much  prettier  than  others.  She 
replied,  '  It  is  not  that  they  are  prettier  than 
others,  but  their  neat,  plain  dress  makes  them 
look  so.'  But  we  do  not  hear  such  remarks 
now ;  on  the  contrary,  it  is  said  they  are  more 
extravagant  and  fashionable  than  the  daughters 


Rachel  Hicks.  227 

of  other  sects.  I  have  heard  it  said  also  that 
some  parents  object  to  their  children's  asso- 
ciating with  our  youth  on  this  account.  Why  is 
it  so  ?  Does  it  not  mostly  lie  with  parents  who 
encourage  this  finery  and  show  ?  making  it 
very  difficult,  almost  impossible,  for  the  really 
concerned  ones  to  keep  their  offspring  in  mod- 
eration. But  notwithstanding,  if  these  deeply 
exercised  mothers  in  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit 
bear  their  testimony  to  their  daughters,  the  re- 
ward and  language  will  be,  '  Let  her  alone  ;  she 
has  done  what  she  could.' 

"  When  we  look  over  our  nation  and  see  the 
fashionable  idleness  and  expensive  toilets  that 
the  tyrant  Fashion  is  driving  the  great  mass  of 
the  people  into,  and  also  the  many  frauds  prac- 
ticed to  get  money  to  support  this  way  of  liv- 
ing, and  the  late  evening  parties  and  amuse- 
ments, it  feels  to  me  that  it  does  not  require  the 
spirit  of  prophecy  to  tell  us  that  a  day  of  calam- 
ity of  some  kind  or  other  will  ere  long  come. 
Then  the  foundation  on  which  the  people  stand 
will  be  closely  tried.  If  it  be  upon  the  'Rock,' 
where  Christ  said  His  Church  was  built,  it  will 
stand  the  floods  and  tempests  that  beat  against 


228  Memoir  of 

it ;    but  if  on  human    devices  and  desires,   it 
will  fall,  and  great  will  be  the  fall  of  those  who 

choose  the  sand  to  build  upon. 

*  *  *  »  :  * 

"  I  would  that  our  young  people  would  for- 
bear criticising  what  seems  to  them  the  errors 
and  weaknesses  of  those  older  than  themselves, 
or  of  those  who  have  passed  away.  Nothing  is 
to  be  gained  by  this ;  but  if  they  would  turn 
from  this  spirit  and  look  into  their  own  hearts, 
and  be  simply  obedient  to  the  teachings  of  the 
Most  High  there,  then  would  they  rise  and  shine 
as  stars  in  the  firmament  of  God's  power,  and 
by  example  and  precept  say  to  those  around 
them,  '  Come,  and  let  us  go  up  to  the  moun- 
tain of  the  Lord,  to  the  House  of  the  God  of 
Jacob,  and  He  will  teach  us  of  His  ways,  and 
we  will  walk  in  His  paths.'  If  they  could  see 
such  a  band  of  laborers  entering  the  Lord's 
vineyard  to  labor  as  He  directs,  the  hearts  of 
many  of  the  aged  would  then  say,  '  Now  lettest 
Thou  Thy  servant  depart  in  peace.' 

"  I  did  not  think  to  write  so  much  when  I 
began,  but  I  seem  not  to  know  how  to  stop,  I 
feel  so  strongly  the  language  of  encouragement 


Rachel  Hicks.  229 

for  thee,  to  finish  thy  day's  work  now  in  the 
daytime.  Do  not  keep  back  that  which  thy 
Lord  and  Master  gives  thee  for  others,  whether 
to  thy  knowledge  they  seem  to  hear  or  forbear. 
It  may  be  like  seed  cast  upon  good  ground 
yielding  fruit  in  due  season.  Thus  may  thy 
tears,  thy  prayers,  and  thy  exhortations  rise  up 
in  the  memories  of  those  near  and  dear  to  thee, 
when  thy  immortal  soul  shall  have  entered  into 
eternal  rest ;  for  verily  do  I  feel  that  there  is  a 
mansion  prepared  for  thee,  in  the  Father's 
House,  there  to  join  redeemed  spirits  who 
"have  come  out  of  great  tribulation  and  have 
washed  their  robes  and  made  them  white  in  the 
blood  of  the  Lamb,"  which  is  the  eternal  divine 
life  of  God  in  the  soul.  That  I,  too,  may  be 
permitted  to  enter  there,  is  the  daily  prayer  and 
continual  concern  of 

"  Thy  affectionate, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 

"  WESTBURY,  9th  mo.,  nth,  1870. 
"  MY  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  I  dearly  love  to  commune  with  thee  by  the 
pen,  when  absent  from  thee  as  to  the  body ; 


230  Memoir  of 

for  the  fellowship  of  the  Spirit  time  and  dis- 
tance do  not  lessen ;  but  oh  !  how  I  did  enjoy 
the  sweet  mingling  at  your  Quarterly  Meeting. 
Thou  hast  no  doubt  heard  that 
within  a  few  weeks  we  have  lost  three  aged 
men  Friends  from  our  meeting.  How  we  miss 
them  !  Which  of  us  will  go  next  we  cannot 
tell,  but  if  we  are  only  ready,  we  may  well  give 
ourselves  up  to  Him  who  knows  when  the 
right  time  comes  to  cut  the  tender  thread  of 
mortal  life. 

"  It  seems  to  me  that  my  spirit  has  been 
impressed  with  an  unusual  degree  of  solem- 
nity in  view  of  this  dispensation.  Whether 
my  time  is  near  at  hand  I  cannot  tell  ;  I  some- 
times feel  as  though  my  day's  work  was  not 
quite  finished,  but  I  am  thankful  I  can  say, 
'  Not  my  will,  but  Thine,  oh  Father,  be  done.' 
I  wish  the  young  could  see  and  be  convinced 
that  the  sooner  we  surrender  our  will  to  the 
Divine  will  the  easier  it  becomes,  opening  the 
way  for  the  heart  to  feel  that  it  is  its  meat  and 
drink  and  chiefest  joy  to  do  the  will  of  our 
Heavenly  Father.  If  the  youth  would  choose 
this  high  and  holy  way,  and  walk  in  it,  how  our 


Rachel  Hicks.  231 

meetings  would  increase  in  size,  in  life,  and  in 
power  !  Many  who  are  now  convinced  of  the 
fundamental  principles  of  the  Christian  relig- 
ion would  come  and  join  in  membership  with 
us,  I  fully  believe,  and  the  principles  of  peace 
would  spread  in  Christendom  until  the  sword 
would  be  sheathed  forever. 

"  It  feels  to  me  that  we,  as  a  people,  are 
loudly  called  upon  to  let  our  light  shine  be- 
fore men  by  dwelling  in  a  meek  and  quiet 
spirit  in  our  daily  intercourse  with  our  fellow- 
men. 

"  It  is  wonderful  to  contemplate  that  even 
European  nations  have  not  yet  seen  enough 
of  the  horrors  of  war  to  deter  them  from  it ; 
but  the  pride  of  the  haughty  we  hope  will  be 
humbled  for  their  good.  These  subjects  are 
so  great  that  much  might  be  said  upon  them. 

"  In  the  sweet  fellowship  of  the  gospel,  I  bid 
thee  farewell." 

"  WESTBURY,  nth  mo.,  i3th,  1871. 
"  MY  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  My  mind  often  turns  to  thee.  I  apprehend 
that  thou  too  may  sometimes  say  of  me, '  What 


232  Memoir  of 

is  she  doing  and  thinking  about  ?'  Therefore 
I  will  tell  thee  that  I  arrived  safely  home  on 
Sixth  Day  evening.  The  next  day  M.  P.  sent 
for  me,  and  I  passed  most  of  the  afternoon 
with  her.  The  day  after  I  attended  Meeting, 
and  had  many  welcome  greetings  from  my 
friends,  and  in  the  afternoon  had  considerable 
company.  Through  the  week  used  my  needle 
and  read  to  Willie,  as  he  frequently  comes 
to  me  with  his  book.  Lizzie  has  grown 
and  improved  much.  How  dear  they  are  to 
me  ! 

"  Yesterday  I  attended  a  circular  meeting  at 
Flushing.  I  was  glad  to  meet  with  Friends 
there,  and  to  be  at  home  again  after  so  long 
an  absence.  It  is  a  dearer  and  sweeter  spot 
than  all  others  on  earth  to  me  ;  but  the  satis- 
faction experienced  in  being  permitted  to  re- 
turn to  it,  does  not  compare  with  the  sweet 
peace  of  mind  I  am  blessed  with. 

"  When  I  retired  to  my  chamber  on  my 
first  arrival  home,  in  taking  a  retrospect 
of  the  journey,  and  realizing  how  we  had 
been  favored  to  accomplish  it,  my  mind  being 
relieved  of  the  burden  attendant  thereon — 


Rachel  Hicks.  233 

and  believing  that  my  Heavenly  Father  had 
accepted  the  sacrifice — I  said  in  my  heart, 
'The  work  Thou  gavest  me  to  do  is  finished, 
and  in  the  sweet  peace  I  feel,  may  I  not  pass 
away  to  my  eternal  rest  in  Heaven.'  I  saw 
nothing  in  my  way,  although  there  was  a 
little  clinging  to  this  life,  but  I  was  almost 
ready  to  say,  '  Now  lettest  Thou  Thy  ser- 
vant depart  in  peace,  for  mine  eyes  have 
seen  thy  salvation.'  But  soon  the  language 
in  my  heart  was,  A  little  longer,  a  little  long- 
er must  thou  tarry.  Thy  work  in  this  lower 
world  is  not  quite  finished,  but  if  thou  con- 
tinue faithful  to  the  end,  thou  shalt  enter  the 
mansion  prepared  for  thee  in  Heaven.  My 
soul  and  all  within  me  bowed  in  reverence  and 
submission,  saying,  'Thy  will  be  done.'  For 
this  favored  season  gratitude  and  thanksgiving 
clothe  my  spirit ;  and  the  aspiration  of  my  soul 
is  for  strength  and  ability  to  perform  the  little 
that  may  yet  be  required  of  me,  so  as  not  to 
lose  the  crown  at  the  end  of  my  race,  which 
cannot  be  very  far  off. 

"  Thy  friend  affectionately, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 


234  Memoir  of 

"  WESTBURY,  2d  mo.,  4th,  1872. 
"  MY  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  At  our  late  Quarterly  Meeting  I  met  our 
mutual  friend  J.  B.,  and  he  handed  me  a  gift 
to  our  Willie  from  thee,  which  pleased  him 
very  much.  He  examined  it  often  and  won- 
dered who  made  it.  *  *  He  sends 
his  love  to  thee,  and  says  he  feels  very  thankful 
to  thee  for  the  nice  present.  His  parents  too, 
feel  grateful  to  be  thus  remembered,  and  send 
their  love  to  thee  and  thy  husband,  and  tell 
me  to  say  to  you  that  our  next  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing is  held  here  at  Westbury,  in  4th  mo.,  and 
they  will  be  pleased  to  see  you  at  that  time, 
or  whenever  it  suits  you,  with  which  I  unite. 

*      So   many  of  my 

friends  have  expressed  surprise  that  one  so 
aged  as  I  could  take  so  long  a  journey  as  I  did 
last  fall,  that  I  feel  bound  to  make  the  acknowl- 
edgment that  we  do  not  serve  a  hard  Master, 
but  a  good  one,  who  requires  no  more  of  us 
than  He  gives  us  strength  to  perform.  In  this 
faith  I  left  my  home;  on  His  power,  love,  and 
wisdom  I  relied  ;  and  forever  blessed  be  His 
name,  He  preserved  my  mind  in  quiet  resigna- 


Rachel  Hicks.  235 

tion  to  His  will!  I  believe  this  calm,  may  I 
not  say  serious  cheerfulness  of  mind,  tends 
much  to  strengthen  the  body  and  preserve  its 
health.  Without  boasting  I  could  say,  '  If  it 
be  in  accordance  with  Thy  wisdom  to  take  my 
mortal  life,  Thy  will  be  done.'  * 
The  aspiration  of  my  spirit  is  that  the  Most 
High  will  raise  up  faithful  laborers  by  His 
power  and  wisdom,  and  send  them  into  His 
vineyard  to  labor  for  the  gathering  of  souls  to 
the  kingdom  of  Heaven,  which  is  attained  only 
by  obedience  to  the  manifested  will  of  our 
Creator. 

"Although  the  Spirit  of  Truth  is  sufficient 
to  lead  into  righteousness  and  preserve  from 
all  error,  our  Heavenly  Father  in  love  and 
mercy  has  provided  secondary  means  of  help 
and  encouragement :  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and 
the  example  and  precepts  of  those  who  are  led 
and  guided  by  His  Spirit.  That  such  may  be 
raised  up  is  the  prayer  of  my  spirit,  and  sent 
to  the  small  isolated  meetings — as  well  as  to 
larger  ones — to  encourage  all  to  make  a  full 
surrender  of  their  will  to  the  will  of  Him  who 
created  us  to  glorify  Him,  and  the  soul  immor- 


236  Memoir  of 

tal  to  be  glorified  with  Him  through  a  never- 
ending  eternity,  if  we  make  the  wise  choice  to 
obey  Him  in  all  things. 

"I  have  alluded  to  small  isolated  meetings — 
for  to  these  I  have  been  particularly  drawn,  as 
thou  mayst  see  when  I  state  that  in  this  late 
visit  to  the  West  we  went  from  Richmond, 
Indiana,  to  Blue  River  Meeting,  it  being  211 
miles;  thence  to  Honey  Creek,  147  miles; 
thence  to  Benjaminville,  186  miles  ;  thence  to 
Plainfield,  100  miles:  thence  to  Prairie  Grove, 
Iowa,  112  miles;  thence  to  West  Liberty,  40 
miles  ;  thence  to  Highland,  9  miles  ;  thence  to 
Honey  Grove,  9  miles ;  back  to  West  Liberty, 
12  miles;  thence  to  Marietta,  112  miles;  and 
thence  to  Stirling,  Illinois,  179  miles,  etc.,  etc. 

"  Several  of  these  meetings  in  Iowa  have 
been  set  up  within  the  last  few  years,  and 
as  far  as  I  could  see  or  feel  there  are  liv- 
ingly  concerned  Friends  in  all  that  we  attend- 
ed ;  and  I  think  they  manifest  this  concern  by 
desiring  a  Yearly  Meeting  established  there,  as 
very  few  of  them  can  get  to  the  annual  gath- 
erings to  which  they  now  belong — especially 
the  youth.  As  we  are  designed  to  be  helpers 


Rachel  Hicks.  237 

to  one  another,  no  doubt  concerned  Friends 
would  be  drawn  to  attend  a  Yearly  Meeting, 
and  I  hope  the  small  ones  also. 

"We  were  from  home  ten  weeks  and  three 
days,  attended  three  Yearly  Meetings  and 
several  monthly  and  other  meetings  (about 
thirty-five).  For  the  encouragement  of  others 
I  feel  to  say  that  my  health  was  good, 
and  very  little  fatigue  was  I  sensible  of — 
owing  much  I  think  to  the  quietude  of  my 
mind,  oft  feeling  I  was  just  where  my  Heaven- 
ly Father  designed  I  should  be.  To  Him  be 
all  the  praise  !  Nothing  is  due  to  myself,  for 
I  feel  that  I  am  one  of  the  least  of  the  flock,  if 
at  all  worthy  to  be  numbered  with  the  com- 
panions of  Christ. 

"  Please  excuse  this  long  letter,  and  write  if 
thou  feels  like  it.  My  love  to  thy  family  and 
to  all  other  inquiring  friends,  for  my  love  flows 
to  the  whole  human  family,  for  which  I  feel 
thankful,  as  love,  unity  and  harmonyare  much 
needed  in  Christendom. 

"  Thy  affectionate 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 


238  Memoir  of 

"  WESTBURY,  4th  mo.,  i7th,  1872. 
"  MY  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  Our  Monthly  Meeting  to-day  gave  me  a 
Minute  to  attend  the  ensuing  Yearly  Meeting  of 
Genesee,  and  to  attend  also  and  appoint  a  few 
meetings  going  and  returning  ;  therefore  when 
your  Monthly  Meeting  again  occurs,  I  hope 
thou  wilt  feel  bound  to  ask  for  a  Minute  also. 

"  It  has  always  been  a  great  dread  to  me  to 
open  these  concerns  in  our  meetings  at  home, 
and  I  feel  much  relieved  in  having  done  it  to- 
day. Nothing  but  a  firm  belief  that  my  peace 
with  my  Heavenly  Father  consists  in  a  full 
surrender  of  my  will  to  Him  could  induce  me 
to  make  the  effort ;  for  He  is  all  goodness,  love 
and  mercy,  and  we  cannot  do  too  much  to  ob- 
tain a  sense  of  acceptance  with  Him. 

"  His  promises  He  fulfills,  and  if  we  ask  we 
shall  receive  ability  to  do  all  that  He  requires. 
My  reliance  is  on  Him — He  also  provides 
helpers  in  the  work.  To  these  I  also  look, 
and  feel  thankful  that  thou  art  bound  in  spirit 
to  go  with  me. 

"  In  much  love,  thy  affectionate, 
"  RACHEL  HICKS." 


Rachel  Hicks.  239 

"  WESTBURY,  6th  mo.,  1872. 
"  MY  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  I  arrived  home  safely  the  next  day  after 
parting  with  thee,  and  found  all  well.  So 
thankful  was  I  for  the  mercy  that  I  twice 
knelt  alone  in  my  chamber  to  give  utter- 
ance to  praises  and  to  return  thanks  to  the 
Great  Author  of  all  good  for  the  wonderful 
favor. 

"  Westbury  and  Long  Island  never  looked 
more  beautiful  and  flourishing,  although  rain 
was  thought  to  be  much  needed.  Yesterday  it 
fell  plentifully,  and  in  looking  at  it  I  felt  we 
ought  almost  with  one  accord  reverentially  to 
bow  the  knee  in  thanksgiving  for  the  blessing. 
R.  P.  came  on  Seventh  Day  to  fulfill  her  prospect 
of  service  in  this  neighborhood.  J.  H.  and  E. 
made  arrangements  for  all  our  Long  Island 
Meetings.  I  looked  with  gratitude  at  these 
young  men  who  are  taking  the  place  of  my 
father  and  other  venerable  Friends  on  such  oc- 
casions. 

"  I  went  with  them  to  Jericho  ;  that  meeting 
was  small.  Long  ago  I  heard  it  said  that  when 
an  eminent  minister  passed  away  from  a  meet- 


240  Memoir  of 

ing  it  often  dwindled.     The  people  rely- too 
much  on  them,  I  suppose. 

"  My  friends  seem  quite  willing  to  have  me 
home  again,  where,  as  far  as  I  now  see,  I  may 
mostly  stay  the  short  remainder  of  my  days 
and  mingle  with  them  in  sweet  companion- 
ship. My  prayer  oft  is,  that  the  evening  of 
my  life  may  be  passed  in  patience,  meekness, 
and  quietness  of  spirit,  whatever  may  be  per- 
mitted to  come  upon  me.  My  health  is  good, 
and  I  was  not  at  all  fatigued  with  my  long 
journey.  I  am  often  asked, 'Was  thee  not 
worn  out  with  traveling  so  far  ?  '  They  seem 
not  to  understand  how  it  could  be  otherwise. 

Farewell. 

"  Thy  affectionate, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 

"  WESTBURY,  i  ith  mo.,  3d,  '72. 
"  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  I  was  pleased  to  receive  thy  interesting 
letter  of  loth  mo.,  28th,  and  now  have  taken 
the  pen  to  tell  thee  so.  Oft  when  I  feel  that  I 
ought  to  write  to  my  friends,  I  am  inclined  to 
plead  an  excuse  because  of  poverty  of  spirit. 


Rachel  Hicks.  241 

What  can  I  put  on  paper  worthy  of  the  time 
and  attention  of  those  I  address  ?  But  I  can, 
in  truth,  say  to  every  one,  '  I  love  thee  ;'  for 
in  humble  gratitude  I  feel  love  to  flow  to 
the  whole  human  family,  although  with  the 
actions  of  many  I  have  no  unity.  But  the  im- 
mortal soul  is  precious,  and  for  it  my  prayers 
ascend  to  Him  who  is  all  goodness  and  power 
to  open  the  eyes  of  those  to  see  and  feel  that 
true  happiness  is  only  to  be  realized  in  doing 
His  will. 

"  I  know  that  He  waits  long  to  show  Him- 
self gracious,  and  visits  and  calls  home  to  Him- 
self the  wandering  prodigal,  but  leaves  all  to 
choose  for  themselves  whether  they  will  return, 
yea  or  nay.  Although  we  know  that  His  grace 
is  sufficient  for  every  one  to  work  out  his  own 
soul's  salvation,  if  obedience  keep  pace  with 
the  knowledge  of  His  will  in  the  secret  of  the 
soul,  yet  let  us  do  all  we  can  to  encourage  one 
another  to  walk  in  the  strait  and  narrow  way  to 
eternal  life. 

"  I  am  glad  that  you — the  committee  of  our 
Yearly  Meeting — have  purchased  the  '  Memoir' 
of  dear  Margaret  Brown,  and  I  unite  with  the 

16 


242  Memoir  of 

proposition  of  our  friend  to  procure  a  large 
number  of  copies.  I  would  like  to  have  several 
myself  to  give  to  isolated  families.  After  our 
last  Yearly  Meeting,  one  of  the  committee  gave 
me  several  books  that  were  left  from  last  year, 
and  I  gave  them  to  those  in  limited  circum- 
stances, and  they  seemed  to  appreciate  them. 
I  wish  Friends  generally  would  read  Friends' 
books  much  more  than  I  fear  many  do.  I 
grieve  in  the  secret  of  my  heart  when  I  go  into 
a  Friend's  house  and  see  piles  of  books  on  the 
centre  table,  and  I  cannot  find  a  Friend's  book 
among  them.  I  believe  the  committee  have 
done  what  they  could,  and  when  we  have 
done  all  we  can,  then  let  us  be  resigned.  We 
can  do  no  more  through  the  mercy  of  Jehovah 
than  save  our  own  souls. 

"  I  am  glad  that  thy  health  is  improved  and 
that  thou  canst  attend  meetings  and  fulfill 
thy  other  duties.  I  hear  you  have  another 
preacher  in  your  meeting — I  hope  she  will 
keep  low,  and  humbly  bowed  at  the  feet  of 
the  Divine  Master,  and  be  obedient  to  all  His 
requirings ;  then  she  may  make  a  noble  in- 
strument for  the  encouragement  of  others. 


Rachel  Hicks.  243 

"  My  petitions,  and  I  doubt  not  those  of 
others,  oft  are,  that  He  will  raise  up  and  send 
into  His  vineyard  faithful  laborers  to  call  unto 
others,  '  Come  taste  and  see  that  the  Lord  is 
good,'  and  worthy  to  be  worshiped  and  obeyed. 
With  thee  I  feel  much  for  our  dear  friend 

— .  A  close  and  heavy  affliction  she,  her 
father,  and  his  family  are  passing  through,  and 
I  hope  all  will  be  profited  by  it.  They  have 
the  greatest  consolation  in  the  belief  that  the 
dear  departed  one  no  doubt  is  resting  in  Heav- 
en, and  what  can  we  ask  for  more  for  those 
nearest  and  dearest  to  us  ?  The  loss  is  great  to 
her  family;  but  the  poor  and  needy — what  will 
they  do?  Who  will  take  her  place  in  adminis- 
tering to  their  wants?  * 

"  When  thou  meetest  me  please  come  to  me 
and  tell  me  thy  name,  for  I  am  so  old  and 
forgetful  of  names  although  I  know  the 
countenance  very  well.  I  dearly  love  to  take 
my  friends  by  the  hand. 

"Please  write  when  thou  feelest  like  it,  and 
gratify 

"  Thy  affectionate, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 


244  Memoir  of 

"  WESTBURY,  i2th  mo.,  22d,  1872. 
"  My  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  Company  for  nearly  a  week  past,  and  other 
engagements  have  prevented  me  from  attend- 
ing to  my  feelings,  and  to  my  desire  to  write 
to  thee.  I  now  take  the  pen  for  that  pur- 
pose, for  I  have  longed  to  commune  with 
one  with  whose  congenial  spirit  I  feel  sweet 
unity  and  a  freedom  to  unbosom  my  whole 
heart ;  and  thou  art  the  one,  for  thou  wilt 
bear  with  my  weaknesses  and  frailties.  Oh  ! 
the  satisfaction  I  anticipated  in  thy  late  visit, 
which  was  too  short  for  me  !  How  people 
differ  in  their  feelings  ! 

"  S.  H.,  in  the  Intelligencer,  calls  upon  us  to 
'  Cheer  up  and  take  fresh  courage.'  It  may 
be  an  admonition  for  me,  for  in  spirit  I 
go  mostly  mourning  on  my  way,  ready  to 
exclaim  with  one  formerly,  '  Oh  !  that  my 
head  were  waters,  and  mine  eyes  a  fountain 
of  tears,  that  I  might  weep  day  and  night 
for  the  slain  of  the  daughters  of  my  people.' 
When  I  see  and  hear  of  so  many  empty  seats 
in  our  meetings  the  query  arises,  '  Why  is  it 
so?  Why  is  it  that  attending  our  religious 


Rachel  Hicks.  245 

meetings  seems  to  have  become  a  secondary  af- 
fair ?  Is  it  because  the  things  of  this  lower  world 
have  the  pre-eminence  in  the  minds  of  a  great 
portion  of  our  members,  who  seem  to  desire 
to  lay  up  treasure  on  earth  for  the  short  period 
of  time,  rather  than  treasure  in  Heaven  for  a 
never-ending  eternity  :  and  who  are  more  con- 
cerned to  adorn  their  mortal  bodies  than  to  pre- 
pare the  soul  for  immortality,  by  taking  up  the 
daily  cross,  and  doing  the  will  of  our  Father  in 
Heaven  ? 

"  If  our  meetings  are  not  kept  up  in  the 
Divine  Life  and  Power,  how  can  our  Socie- 
ty continue  an  organized  body  much  longer? 
My  spirit  is  grieved  that  so  many  seem  not  to 
kno.w  the  real  enjoyment  of  obedience  to,  and 
waiting  upon  the  Lord,  and  of  worshiping 
Him  in  spirit  and  in  Truth. 

"  Please  excuse  me,  and  let  me  not  longer 
burden  thee  with  my  sorrows  !  I  endeavor  to 
wear  my  sackcloth  underneath,  and  keep  a 
cheerful  countenance  when  mingling  with  the 
people.  Blessed,  forever  blessed  be  the  name 
of  the  Most  High,  I  feel  peace  with  Him,  and 
am  oft  ready  to  exclaim,  '  Oh !  the  goodness, 


246  Memoir  of 

the  mercy  and  loving-kindness  of  Israel's  God  ! 
My  prayer  to  Him  is  that  I  may  go  bowed  in 
spirit  at  His  feet,  with  my  mouth  in  the  dust, 
that  He  may  clothe  me  with  a  meek  and  quiet 
spirit,  and  give  me  patience  and  prudence  to 
demean  myself  so  as  to  manifest  the  sufficiency 
of  the  Divine  Spirit  to  preserve  from  all  evil. 

"  Since  my  return  from  our  last  journey,  I 
have  felt  that  my  work  was  accomplished  as  to 
going  far  from  home ;  and  latterly  I  often  feel 
that  not  much  more  will  be  required  of  me, 
even  at  home,  in  public  communication.  Many 
times  have  I  said  in  my  heart  in  our  meetings, 
'  I  have  no  authority  to  preach  ;  but  I  can  pray,' 
my  desires  for  the  people  are  so  strong.  My 
work  seems  to  be,  to  endeavor  to  promote  love 
and  harmony  among  all  with  whom  we  min- 
gle ;  so  I  visit  occasionally,  and  write  not  a 
few  letters.  When  I  have  nothing  else  to  do, 
I  feel  best  satisfied  to  do  some  useful  work  for 
myself  and  others. 

"  And  now,  in  closing,  let  me  say,  avoid  my 
discouragements  relative  to  our  Society.  My 
consolation  is  that  if  we  wane  away,  others 
will  be  raised  up  to  bear  all  the  testimonies 


Rachel  Hicks.  247 

which  we  as  a  people  have  been  called  upon  to 
bear  to  the  world  ;  for  they  are  as  necessary 
now  for  promoting  the  happiness  of  man- 
kind as  ever  they  were.  I  believe  also  that 
there  will  be  a  remnant — individuals  here 
and  there — who  will  be  Friends  in  principle 
and  practice  although  not  an  organized 
body  as  we  now  are.  In  this  hope  I  con- 
clude, 

"  Thy  affectionate  friend, 

"R.  H." 

"  WESTBURY,  4th  mo.,  2oth,  1873. 
"  MY  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  It  is  a  long  time  since  any  epistolary  cor- 
respondence has  passed  between  us,  therefore 
I  now  write  to  thee  hoping  to  receive  an  an- 
swer. 

"  Of  latter  time  especially,  I  have  felt  a  strong 
desire  to  mingle  with  congenial  spirits;  and  oft 
when  sitting  alone,  I  have  pondered  on  past 
days,  when  we  were  frequently  visited  by  min- 
isters traveling  from  a  sense  of  religious  duty. 
And  as  my  father's  house  was  a  home  for  these 
in  that  day,  I  had  the  favor  from  my  childhood 


248  Memoir  of 

up  to  youth  and  middle  age,  to  sit  with  them 
and  hear  them  converse.  Frequently  the  con- 
versation would  cease,  and  a  solemn  silence 
would  ensue,  and  in  short  communications  the 
living  gospel  was  preached,  which  made  impres- 
sions on  my  mind  not  forgotten.  Our  particular 
meeting  was  then  large,  and  rightly  concerned 
neighbors  would  often  call  in  and  talk  over  the 
concerns  of  our  Society;  but  now  alas!  in  my 
old  age  how  different !  Neighbors  are  so  busy 
they  seldom  seem  to  have  time  to  make  even 
a  call.  Our  meeting  is  small,  and  seldom  vis- 
ited by  Friends  traveling  from  a  sense  of  duty 
to  our  Divine  Father;  I  believe  it  is  safe  to 
say  hardly  once  in  a  year.  Oh  !  why  is  it  so  ? 
"  That  sad  Separation  in  1 827  and  '8,  is  deeply 
to  be  lamented,  and  why  did  this  occur?  Was 
it  not  because  of  a  desire  to  promulgate  opin- 
ions and  doctrines,  rather  than  to  feel  the  Di- 
vine life  and  power  rise  in  dominion  in  our 
minds,  uniting  us  together  in  Heavenly  peace, 
which  is  only  to  be  enjoyed  by  doing  the  will 
of  our  Heavenly  Father?  Had  the  members 
of  our  Society  lived  up  to  the  high  profession 
we  for  more  than  two  centuries  have  made  to 


Rachel  Hicks.  249 

the  world,  of  being  led  and  guided  by  the  Spir- 
it of  Truth  in  our  own  souls,  I  believe  the 
doctrine  of  depravity  in  our  nature  in  conse- 
quence of  Adam's  trangression,  and  the  atone- 
ment for  our  sins  by  the  crucifixion  of  the 
body  of  Jesus  on  the  cross,  would  have  been 
left  as  non-essentials  of  belief  without  contro- 
versy or  discussion.  Instead  of  this,  they  were 
urged  upon  us  as  necessary  to  believe  in  order 
to  be  saved  with  an  everlasting  salvation  ; 
which  belief  many  could  not  subscribe  to. 
Hence  that  sad  'Separation/  and  I  fear  the 
scattering  of  many  from  the  foundation  upon 
which  Christ  said  His  church  was  built.  I  fully 
believe  there  were  livingly  concerned  minds 
amongst  those  who  left  us ;  and  had  we  avoid- 
ed contention  about  doctrines,  we  might  have 
remained  a  united  people,  helpers  to  one  an- 
other ;  for  in  unity  there  is  strength. 

"  In  reading  the  Intelligencer  I  sometimes 
fear  discussions  about  opinions  may  again 
arise  amongst  us ;  but  I  hope  opposition 
to  opinions  we  cannot  unite  with  will  be 
avoided,  unless  peace  with  our  Creator  re- 
quires it  of  any,  and  then  it  would  be  wise 


25o  Memoir  of 

to  consult  our  religiously  concerned  Friends. 
There  are  some  points  of  belief  necessary 
for  us  as  an  organized  body  to  unite  in  be- 
lieving ;  as,  for  instance,  the  existence  of 
a  Supreme  Being  full  of  power,  wisdom, 
love  and  mercy;  that  He  created  man  for 
His  own  glory,  giving  him  an  immortal  soul 
and  a  portion  of  His  Holy  Spirit  to  pre- 
serve that  soul  in  innocency  and  acceptance 
with  Him — if  man,  whom  He  made  a  free 
agent,  is  wise  enough  to  choose  obedience  to 
Him.  Also  the  several  testimonies  we  have 
for  more  than  two  centuries  borne  to  the  world 
against  war,  slavery,  intemperance,  a  hireling 
ministry,  oaths  and  all  immoralities,  injustice, 
etc.,  etc. ;  to  show  our  faith  by  our  works, 
by  our  consistent  daily  deportment  and  con- 
versation ;  moderation  in  all  things,  industry, 
economy,  plainness,  simplicity  in  dress  and 
address,  calling  no  man  master  for  '  one  is 
your  Master,  even  Christ '  within  us,  and  '  all 
we  are  brethren;'  doing  unto  others  as  we 
wish  them  to  do  unto  us,  etc.,  etc. 

"  Did  we  all  attend  to  the  '  light  within  '  us,  I 
believe  we  should  feel  these  testimonies  to  be 


Rachel  Hicks.  25 1 

as  important  and  necessary  now,  as  in  any  day 
or  generation  preceding  us. 

"  But  seeing  that  many,  not  of  our  Society, 
are  convinced  of  the  fundamental  principle 
of  Christianity,  '  The  Light  within,'  and  the 
educated  hired  ministers  seem  to  approve  and 
flatter  us,  there  is  cause  to  fear  they  are  draw- 
ing too  many  away,  and  are  doing  us  more 
harm  than  when  they  were  instrumental  in  per- 
secuting us.  And  also  in  this  day  of  outward 
ease  and  prosperity,  the  allurements  of  pride 
and  fashion  are  drawing  many  of  our  members 
away  from  that  beautiful  simplicity  for  which 
we  were  once  admired.  If  we  cannot  support 
our  testimony  to  simplicity  and  moderation, 
others  no  doubt  will  take  it  up  ;  for  is  it  not 
evident  that  this  extravagance  and  consequent 
great  expense  induces  much  of  the  fraud  and 
unfairness  resorted  to  by  many  to  get  money  to 
keep  up  the  fashionable  mode  of  living?  If  we 
had  given  up  our  will,  as  John  Woolman  did, 
we  too  would  have  seen  limits  set  by  Divine 
Wisdom  to  the  natural  desire  to  accumulate 
riches.  We  would  have  been  willing  to  live 
in  a  plain  way  which  requires  no  great  expense 


252  Memoir  of 

to  maintain,  and  our  brethren  would  have  been 
spared  the  toil  and  anxiety  many  of  them  now 
have  to  endure  ;  and  our  example  would  have 
had  a  comforting  influence  upon  many  around 
us. 

"  If  Infinite  Wisdom,  Love  and  Goodness  had 
not  seen  that  moderate  industry  and  labor  are 
necessary  for  our  health  and  strength  of  body 
and  mind,  He  would  have  so  arranged  the 
order  of  nature  that  the  earth  would  have 
brought  forth  food  and  raiment  for  mankind, 
and  no  labor  would  have  been  necessary.  To 
hold  up  the  view  that  labor  or  work  is  not  hon- 
orable seems  to  me  to  be  calling  in  question  the 
wisdom  of  Providence. 

"  I  have  alluded  to  our  neighbors  being  too 
busy  to  visit  much :  but  I  feel  bound  to 
bear  the  testimony  that  we  live  in  great 
harmony,  and  good-will  to  each  other.  If 
assistance  be  necessary,  it  is  very  cheerfully 
given,  and  there  is  very  little,  if  any,  tale-bear- 
ing and  detraction  amongst  us.  Although 
I  mourn  over  vacant  seats  in  our  meeting 
in  the  middle  of  the  week,  and  finery  in 
dress,  yet  I  love  all,  and  often  pray  for  them  ; 


Rachel  Hicks.  253 

I  feel  bound  to  speak  often  to  these  when  we 
meet,  and  to  take  them  by  the  hand,  for  I  love 
and  pity  many  of  them.  The  idea  is  often 
held  up  that  there  is  no  religion  in  dress,  and 
that  it  is  a  little  thing. 

"  Dear  M.,  why  should  I  write  so  long  a  let- 
ter to  thee?  My  apology  is,  that  I  have  been 
longing  to  mingle  with  congenial  spirits,  and 
unless  thou  wilt  be  sent  to  our  Quarterly 
Meeting'  or  Yearly  Meeting,  I  do  not  know 
when  I  shall  see  thee  face  to  face.  And  now 
with  love  to  thee,  thy  children,  and  other 
friends,  I  conclude, 

"  Thy  affectionate  friend, 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 

"  WESTBURY,  nth  mo.,  26th,  1874. 
"  MY  DEAR  FRIENDS  : 

"  Since  I  returned  home  my  mind  has  been 
so  much  with  you  that  I  take  my  pen  to  say 
so  to  you.  My  heart  is  filled  with  gratitude 
and  thanksgiving  to  our  Heavenly  Father  that 
He  enabled  me  to  finish  the  service  that  I  felt 
He  required  of  me  in  our  Monthly  Meeting, 
with  the  exception  of  two  or  three  families, 


254  Memoir  of 

which  we  yet  intend  to  visit  as  way  opens 
for  it. 

"  Especially  on  that  rainy  day  that  we  were 
favored  with,  did  my  mind  seem  to  overflow 
with  gratitude  and  praises  ;  and  I  thought  of 
the  woman  Jesus  spoke  of,  who  having  found 
the  lost  piece  of  silver  called  her  friends  and 
neighbors  together,  saying  '  Rejoice  with  me.' 
It  seemed  to  me  that  your  spirits  mingled  with 
mine,  in  this  grateful  rejoicing  ;  for  while  with 
you,  dear  H.  expressed  her  sense  of  the  relief 
1  would  feel  when  through  with  this  arduous 
and  humiliating  labor.  I  rejoice  not  only  on 
my  own  account  but  also  for  my  helpers,  who 
so  kindly  made  all  necessary  arrangements  and 
helped  me  on  my  way.  May  all  have  the  re- 
ward of  sweet  peace  !  And  when  you  look  on 
my  cold  remains,  may  you  rejoice  that  you  did 
all  you  could  for  me,  a  poor  unworthy  one,  feel- 
ing myself  to  be  the  least  of  all  the  flock  and 
companions  of  Christ,  if  worthy  to  be  num- 
bered at  all  with  them. 

"  Sitting  quietly  at  home,  and  feeling  that 
my  day's  work  in  going  abroad  is  nearly  accom- 
plished, my  love  flows  to  the  youth  in  strong 


Rachel  Hicks.  255 

desires  that  they  may  be  wise  enough  to  make 
covenant  with  their  Creator  to  serve  Him 
whithersoever  He  may  lead,  although  in  the 
cross  to  human  nature. 

"  They  might  be  instructed  by  outward  cir- 
cumstances. When  in  the  evening  of  the  day 
they  can  reflect  that  all  the  duties  and  la- 
bors of  the  day  are  accomplished,  how  glad 
they  feel;  just  so,  and  greatly  more  so  in  a 
spiritual  sense  will  it  be,  if  in  the  evening 
of  life  they  can  look  back  and  feel  that  they 
have  done  the  best  they  could  in  the  per- 
formance of  the  day's  work  in  the  daytime. 
The  strong  will,  through  the  strength  which 
the  omnipotent  Father  gives,  having  been  given 
up,  and  the  propensities  of  human  nature  thus 
being  in  a  great  measure  overcome — if  the 
watch  be  still  maintained — they  will  be  clothed 
with  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,  patiently  waiting 
and  quietly  hoping  that  in  the  end  they  may 
receive  the  crown  of  '  Well  done,  good  and 
faithful  servant ;  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy 
Lord,  and  into  thy  Master's  rest.' 

"  Oh  !  how  earnestly  do  I  desire  that  they 
may  see  and  believe  in  the  abundant  reward  of 


256  Memoir  of 

early  dedication  ;  and  that  they  may  prove  for 
themselves  the  truth  of  the  testimony  of  those 
who  have  realized  it,  that  there  is  no  real  joy 
but  in  feeling  accepted  and  acquitted  of  Him 
who  sees  and  searches  all  hearts.  This  is  my 
experience,  and  I  desire  you,  my  dear  friends, 
now  to  devote  yourselves  to  the  service  of  our 
Father  in  Heaven,  that  you  too  in  the  evening 
of  life  may  rest  and  rejoice  in  the  God  of  your 
salvation. 

"  Your  affectionate 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 

"  WESTBURY,  yth  mo.,  25th,  1875. 

"  To  STANFORD  QUARTERLY  MEETING  : 
"  DEAR  FRIENDS: 

"  Since  attending  all  the  Yearly  Meetings  in 
1872,  with  which  we  correspond,  I  have  felt 
that  my  work,  as  to  traveling  far  from  home, 
is  accomplished.  To  remain  at  and  about  my 
home  is  that  which  my  Divine  Master  now 
requires  of  me ;  for  which  I  have  felt  abund- 
antly thankful  to  Him,  who  I  believe  laid  it 
upon  me  as  a  duty  to  visit  Friends  in  all 
their  meetings  far  and  near,  and  many  of  them 


Rachel  Hicks.  257 

several  times  over.  This  has  been  greatly  in 
the  cross  to  my  human  will  and  natural  pro- 
pensities, feeling  myself  unworthy  of  so  much 
service. 

"  But  how  true  is  the  testimony  of  the  Apos- 
tle, '  Not  many  mighty,  not  many  noble  are 
called,  for  God  hath  chosen  the  weak  things 
of  the  world  to  confound  the  things  that 
are  mighty.'  Then  let  no  one  plead  excuse 
and  incapacity  ;  for  He  who  sends  forth  will 
qualify  those  who  put  their  trust  in  and 
reliance  upon  Him  to  perform  all  that  He 
requires  of  them,  and  will  reward  every  obedi- 
ent soul  with  that  sweet  peace  which  the 
world  can  neither  give  nor  take  away.  This 
my  soul  knoweth  right  well !  Now,  in  the 
evening  of  life,  I  can  look  back  over  former 
days  and  remember  the  deep  mental  and  spirit- 
ual baptisms  I  had  to  pass  through  to  enable 
me  to  say,  '  Thy  will,  oh  !  God,  be  done.'  Lead 
me  whithersoever  Thou  wilt,  and  I  will  follow 
Thee,  for  it  is  a  duty  I  owe  Thee,  and  the  sal- 
vation of  my  immortal  soul  depends  upon 
obedience. 

"  I  now  rejoice  that  my  day's  work  has  been 
17 


258  Memoir  of 

done  in  the  daytime,  as  to  going  far  from 
home  ;  and  through  the  mercy  and  loving-kind- 
ness of  our  Heavenly  Father  I  am  now  permit- 
ted to  rest.  Yet  my  mind  often  visits  my  friends 
afar  off,  but  near  in  kindness  and  love,  desiring 
the  welfare  of  the  whole  human  family,  and 
especially  those  of  our  own  religious  Society, 
who  make  the  high  profession  of  being  led  and 
guided  by  the  Divine  Spirit  in  our  souls. 

"  Of  latter  times  I  have  thought  so  much  of 
you  and  your  approaching  Quarterly  Meeting 
that  it  seemed  almost  right  to  make  an  effort 
to  attend  it,  although  I  feel  the  weakness  of 
old  age,  having  reached  my  eighty-sixth  year. 
In  my  love  and  solicitude  for  you,  the  language 
of  my  heart  has  oft  been,  '  With  desires  I  have 
desired  to  eat  this  passover  with  you '  before  I 
go  hence,  to  be  seen  of  men  no  more.  The  will 
is  therefore  accepted  for  the  deed. 

"  I  now  write  to  you  to  give  a  little  expres- 
sion to  a  concern  I  feel  for  you  or  some  of 
your  members.  According  to  my  feelings, 
there  are  some  amongst  you  who  are  with- 
holding a  full  surrender  of  their  own  will 
to  the  will  of  our  Glorious  Creator,  who  is 


Rachel  Hicks.  259 

all  love,  power,  wisdom  and  mercy,  worthy 
to  be  worshiped,  loved  and  obeyed  by  all 
whom  He  has  made.  I  know  that  it  is  hard 
to  take  up  our  daily  cross  and  follow  Him  in 
'  the  straight  and  narrow  way  which  leads  to 
life  ; '  and  such  is  my  love  to  those  who  are 
holding  back,  that  if  it  were  possible  I  would 
endure  the  suffering  for  them,  that  they  in  the 
Lord's  time  should  enjoy  the  reward.  My  love 
goes  forth  to  such,  and  my  prayers  ascend  for 
them  to  Him  whose  wisdom  is  infinitely  greater 
than  our  wisdom.  He  knows  what  is  best  for 
us.  Therefore  consult  no  more  with  thy 
reasoning  powers,  oh  !  man  or  woman,  who- 
ever thou  art,  but  pray  to  God  to  strengthen 
thee  to  say,  '  Thy  will  be  done,  not  mine.' 
Then  will  He  make  hard  things  easy  and 
sweeten  the  bitter  cup,  working  wonders  for 
thee  as  thou  continuest  in  humble  submission 
to  His  will.  Whatever  in  sincerity  of  soul  thou 
believest  He  requires  of  thee,  whether  small  or 
great  the  sacrifice,  be  willing  to  yield.  De- 
spise not  the  day  of  small  things. 

"  It  feels  to  me  that  if  obedience  keep  pace 
with  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord's  will,  your 


260  Memoir  of 

meeting  will  revive  and  grow  larger  and 
stronger.  It  is  the  Divine  Life  that  is  want- 
ing in  all  our  meetings.  There  is  much  ac- 
tivity in  many  places,  but  unless  Divine 
Life  qualify  us,  all  our  labors  will  fail  of  pro- 
moting real  and  enduring  reformation  in  our 
own  Society  or  in  the  world  at  large.  To 
'  Mind  the  Light '  is  as  necessary  now  as  it 
ever  was.  Walk  in  the  Light,  Divine  Light, 
and  labor  now,  looking  for  help  to  Him  who  is 
omnipotent. 

"  I  feel  now  to  say  farewell,  dear  friends  !  If 
we  meet  no  more  in  this  world,  I  hope  that  we 
may  all  meet  in  Heaven,  there  to  unite  through- 
out eternity  in  praises  and  hallelujahs  to  Him 
who  sits  on  the  throne,  for  He  is  everlastingly 
worthy ;  nor  can  we  make  too  many  sacri- 
fices thus  to  stand  before  Him,  saith  my 
soul. 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 


The  following  letter  was  written  after  an  ill- 
ness of  three  weeks  at  the  residence  of  the 
Friends  to  whom  it  is  addressed  : 


Rachel  Hicks.  261 


"  WESTBURY,  Qth  mo.,  iQth,  1875. 
"  DEAR  FRIENDS: 

"  Remembrance  of  your  kindness  to  me, 
when  prostrated  on  a  bed  of  sickness,  lives  in 
my  heart.  Gladly  would  I  reward  you  if  in  my 
power;  but,  feeling  my  insufficiency,  my  pray- 
ers are  oft  put  up  to  Him,  who  is  all  power, 
love  and  wisdom,  that  He  will  bless  you  with 
that  sweet  peace  of  mind  which  this  lower 
world  can  neither  give  nor  take  away,  and  in 
the  end  of  time  receive  you  in  Heaven,  there 
to  join  the  innumerable  host  of  redeemed  spir- 
its, in  ascribing  praises  and  thanksgiving  to 
Him  who  is  everlastingly  worthy,  throughout 
the  endless  ages  of  eternity.  This  I  crave  for 
my  own  soul. 

"  But,  dear  Friends,  if  we  attain  to  this,  we 
must  each  one  labor  for  our  own  salvation 
in  the  strength  which  He  alone  can  and  will 
give  to  those  who  look  to,  and  rely  upon  Him 
who  fulfills  the  promise,  '  Ask  and  ye  shall  re- 
ceive,' '  Knock  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto 
you.'  Without  His  Divine  aid  we  are  weak 
and  frail,  and  cannot  do  any  good  word  or 
work  ;  hence  the  necessity  of  watchfulness  and 


262  Memoir  of 

prayer,  to  be  preserved  from  the  temptations 
of  our  creaturely  will  and  propensities.  As 
we  are  obedient  to  the  teachings  of  His  Spirit 
in  our  souls,  which,  in  His  goodness  and  loving 
kindness,  He  has  given  to  every  rational  crea- 
ture, He  will  enable  us  to  take  up  our  daily 
cross,  so  that  we  can  in  sincerity  say,  '  Thy 
will,  O  Holy  One,  be  done,  and  not  mine.' 

"  I  desire  to  encourage  you,  dear  friends,  to 
be  faithfully  obedient  to  the  teachings  of  the 
Lord's  Spirit  in  you,  which  teaches  as  never 
man  taught ;  for  He  is  in  us,  and  with  us,  whith- 
ersoever we  may  wander.  Fear  not  the  '  world's 
dread  laugh,'  or  what  others  may  say,  but  be 
obedient  to  Him  in  all  things,  whether  great  or 
small.  If  in  sincerity  of  soul  you  feel  that  He 
requires  it  of  you,  your  reward  is  sure  in  that 
sweet  peace  of  mind  human  language  cannot 
portray.  But  why  need  I  thus  write?  I  trust 
that  you  know  these  things  as  well  as  I. 

"  Soon  after  my  return  home  it  occurred  to 
my  mind  to  make  a  mat  for  thee,  Dr.,  to  put 
thy  feet  upon  when  sitting  in  thy  office,  if  thy 
dear  wife  assents  to  it ;  but  do  with  it  just  as 
you  please.  I  ought  to  have  said,  please  ac- 


Rachel  Hicks.  263 

cept  it  as  a  token  of  my  grateful  remembrance 
of  your  great  kindness  to  me,  a  little  one  as  I 
feel  myself  to  be. 

"And  now  revives  in  my  memory  the  reply 
of  Jesus  to  those  who  queried  of  Him,  '  When 
saw  we  Thee  a  stranger  and  took  Thee  in,  sick 
and  in  prison,  etc.,  etc.,  and  came  unto  Thee?' 
'  Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of  the 
least  of  these,  my  brethren,  ye  have  done  it 
unto  me.'  Therefore,  look  to  the  Most  High, 
and  He  will  be  your  reward  for  every  act  of 
kindness  to  your  fellow  creatures,  and  every 
act  of  obedience  to  Him. 

"  This  is  the  desire  of  your  affectionate 
friend,  RACHEL  HlCKS." 

"  WESTBURY,  nth  mo.,  iyth,  1875. 
"  MY  DEAR  M. : 

"  It  is  a  long  time  since  we  have  seen  each 
other  face  to  face,  or  communed  with  the  pen. 
I  often  think  of  thee,  and  desire  to  hear  from 
thee,  or  to  see  thy  handwriting  afresh. 

"  Although  there  is  a  communing  in  spirit  in 
congenial  minds,  which,  I  trust,  we  do  at  times 
feel,  yet  please  excuse  me  if  I  say  I  love  thee 


264  Memoir  of 

so  much  that  I  want  to  know  a  little  of  what 
thou  art  doing  and  thinking  about.  I  have  no 
doubt  that  thy  feelings  oft  rise  in  prayer  and 
praise  to  thy  Heavenly  Father,  for  His  good- 
ness and  loving-kindness  are  infinite  ;  and  that 
it  is  thy  greatest  care  and  concern  so  to  live  as 
to  be  accepted  of  Him,  feeling  as  I  often  do — 
that  there  is  no  real  joy  but  in  the  joy  of  God's 
salvation. 

"  I  lately  received  a  letter  from  dear  S.  H., 
expressing  her  thankfulness  for  having  accom- 
plished those  long  journeys.  I  suppose  she 
feels  as  I  once  did  after  I  had  finished  an  arduous 
service  in  visiting  families,  and  returned  home 
so  comfortable,  that  I  almost  wished  to  call  my 
friends  to  rejoice  with  me  for  the  relief  and 

sweet  peace  I  was  favored  with. 

******* 

"And  now,  dear  M.,  as  I  have  desired  to  learn 
something  about  thee,  I  will  say  for  myself 
that,  although  I  feel  some  of  the  weaknesses  of 
old  age,  my  bodily  health  is  good.  My 
strength  is  not  equal  to  that  of  former  days, 
yet  with  my  needle,  etc.,  I  can  do  a  little  to 
assist  my  kind  niece  with  whom  I  live,  for  I  do 


Rachel  Hicks.  265 

not  approve  of  idleness.  When  we  are  able  to 
work  moderately,  it  is  better  for  both  body  and 
mind  ;  if  we  do  not  need  it  for  ourselves,  we 
can  work  for  others.  Above  all,  my  mind  is 
quiet  and  thankful  that  my  '  day's  work '  as  to 
traveling  abroad,  which  I  believed  my  Heav- 
enly Father  required  as  a  duty  to  Him,  was 
done  '  in  the  daytime  ; '  and  that  now,  in  the 
evening  of  life,  I  am  permitted  to  remain 
mostly  at  home,  where  I  have  always  lived. 
At  and  about  home  are  thy  duties  now,  is  oft 
the  feeling  of  my  heart,  although  watchful- 
ness, prayer  and  obedience  are  as  necessary 
as  heretofore ;  but  I  can  say,  as  I  trust  thou 
canst,  dear  M., '  It  is  my  meat  and  drink  '  to  do 
the  will  of  my  Father  in  Heaven.' 

"  If  thou  art  engaged  in  some  religious  labors 
among  thy  friends,  or  if  thou  feelest  required 
to  go  forth,  I  feel  a  word  of  encouragement  for 
thee.  Resign  all,  body,  soul  and  spirit,  to  Him 
who  created  thee,  to  glorify  Him  while  here  on 
earth,  that  thy  soul  may  be  prepared  to  be 
glorified  with  Him  hereafter  in  Heaven.  Faith- 
ful laborers  are  few  in  this  day,  although  great- 
ly needed.  Undoubtedly  there  are  many  who 


266  Memoir  of 

are  longing  for  spiritual  food  for  the  soul,  but 
do  not  know  how  to  find  it.  The  education 
and  example  of  many  are  so  turned  to  outward 
things  that  they  seem  not  to  realize  the  duty 
of  waiting  upon  the  Lord  in  spirit,  and  asking 
of  Him  that  bread  which  comes  from  Him  and 
nourishes  the  soul  unto  eternal  life,  and  heav- 
enly enjoyment,  even  while  here  on  earth. 

"  The  prayer  of  my  spirit  oft  is  that  the 
Most  High  will  raise  up  laborers  and  send 
them  into  the  vineyard,  there  to  labor  as  He 
qualifies  them  ;  and  the  response  sometimes  is, 
'  There  would  be  those  raised  up  among  our 
members,  if  obedience  to  known  duty  were 
performed  as  required.'  We  can  only  do  our 
own  work,  dear  M.,  so  let.  us  hold  out  to  the 
end.  If  we  meet  no  more  on  earth,  may  we 
meet  in  Heaven,  is  the  prayer  of  thy  affection- 
ate RACHEL  HICKS." 

"  WESTBURY,  i2th  mo.,  3oth,  1876. 
"  MY  DEAR  FRIEND  : 

"  I  had  been  thinking  much  of  thee  and  of 
writing  to  thee,  when  thy  very  acceptable  let- 
ter was  received.  How  I  rejoiced  that  I  was 


Rachel  Hicks.  267 

not  forgotten,  but  was  remembered  by  one 
with  whom  I  have  long  felt  united  in  spirit,  in 
endeavoring  to  do  the  will  of  our  omnipotent 
Father  that,  through  His  mercy  and  loving 
kindness,  our  own  souls  may  be  saved  with  an 
everlasting  salvation ;  and  in  this  our  love  and 
concern  extend  to  the  whole  human  family, 
desiring  the  preservation  of  all  on  that  founda- 
tion upon  which  Christ  said  His  church  was 
built.  As  we  have  felt  that  our  Heavenly 
Father  required  it  of  us,  we  have,  in  the  abili- 
ty he  has  given,  labored  to  promote  the  spread- 
ing of  that  pure  and  undefiled  religion  which 
breathes  '  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on 
earth  peace,  good  will  toward  man.'  If  in  any 
degree  we  have  been  useful  in  this,  all  praise 
and  thanksgiving  are  due  to  Him,  who  oft  calls 
the  little  ones  to  go  forth  and  bear  testimony 
to  the  Truth,  and  invite  others  to  make  a  full 
surrender  of  their  will  to  the  will  of  our  Crea- 
tor as  the  only  way  to  obtain  happiness  here 
and  hereafter.  But  do  we  not  know  and  re- 
member the  deep  exercises  we  had  to  pass 
through  to  prepare  us  for  the  service  our  Lord 
and  Master  called  us  to?  But  His  reward  ever 


268  Memoir  of 

was,  and  is,  sure,  my  soul  knoweth  right  well  ; 
and  now,  in  the  evening  of  life,  feeling  released 
from  going  far  away  from  my  comfortable 
home,  I  rejoice  in  the  retrospect  of  labor  per- 
formed when  I  felt  it  to  be  required  of  me. 
And,  as  I  experience  some  of  the  infirmities  of 
age,  I  am  grateful  and  thankful  for  the  quiet 
and  peaceful  rest,  although  watchfulness  is 
still  as  necessary  as  ever  before. 

"  Feeling  it  to  be  my  duty,  I  am  thankful  that 
I  am  able  still  to  attend  all  our  religious  meet- 
ings as  they  come  in  course,  and  also  funerals 
pretty  often;  some  of  persons  not  in  member- 
ship with  us  who  have  desired  a  Friends'  Meet- 
ing. On  these  occasions  I  often  feel  that 
words  are  given  in  condescension  to  the  states 
of  the  people. 

Social  visits  to  my  neighbors  I  also  feel  it  best 
to  make  occasionally,  and  in  these  and  at  all 
times,  at  home  as  well  as  abroad,  I  endeavor  to 
promote  love  and  harmony.  When  I  behold 
the  dawn  of  another  day  the  aspiration  ascends 
to  Him  who  has  the  power,  that  I  may  be  pre- 
served from  the  least  degree  of  feeling,  thought, 
word,  or  action  that  is  contrary  to  His  pure 


Rachel  Hicks.  269 

and  holy  will.  In  and  through  all,  I  have  a  great 
sense  of  my  unworthiness  and  my  frailties  ; 
and  poverty  of  spirit  is  often  my  portion,  feel- 
ing myself  to  be  one  of  the  least,  if  at  all  wor- 
thy to  be  called  one  of  the  flock  and  followers 
of  Christ. 

"  And  thou,  my  dear  friend,  also  alludest 
to  thy  '  strippedness  and  poverty  of  spirit.' 
I  feel  it  to  be  a  safe  state ;  and  as  thou  looks 
to  and  relies  upon  Him  who  has  hitherto 
sustained  thee,  He  will  carry  thee  as  in  the 
hollow  of  His  own  holy  hand  to  the  end  of 
time,  and  thereafter  receive  thy  immortal  soul 
into  Heaven  ;  for  a  mansion  is  prepared  for 
thee  if  thou  hold  out  to  the  end  in  full  faith. 

"  Thou  remarkest, '  Times  are  hard.'  So  they 
are  ;  and  why  is  it  so  ?  Some  writer  has  said, 
'  The  extravagance  of  our  day  has  done  much 
to  bring  it  to  pass;'  and  a  French  writer  has 
remarked  upon  the  '  fashionable  idleness  and 
expensive  toilets  of  American  women.'  I  have 
no  doubt  that  these  excesses  are  one  great  cause 
of  the  general  depression  in  business ;  and  sad 
is  the  reflection  that  the  Society  of  Friends 
has  not,  as  a  whole,  maintained  its  testimony 


270  Memoir  of 

to  simplicity  and  moderation,  as  Friends  were 
led  to  do  at  its  rise.  If  all  its  members  had 
felt  it  and  obeyed,  I  have  no  doubt  their  influ- 
ence would  have  been  great. 

"  I  am  glad  our  dear  friend expects  to 

pass  the  winter  with  her  children.  It  seems 
as  though  children  should  take  care  of  parents 
in  old  age.  Thy  affectionate 

"  RACHEL  HICKS." 

"  WESTBURY,  3d  mo.,  3d,  1878. 
"  MY  DEAR  FRIEND: 

"  One  of  the  infirmities  of  old  age,  which  I 
feel  increasing  upon  me,  is  loss  of  memory.  I 
cannot  exactly  remember  whether  I  have  an- 
swered thy  last  letter  or  not.  If  I  have,  thou 
wilt  excuse  me  if  I  write  again,  for  I  have 
thought  so  much  of  thee  of  late,  that  I  feel  like 
writing  to  thee  once  more. 

"  On  reading  thy  last  letter,  my  sympathies 
were  strong  with  thee.  Thou  hast  thy  trials 
and  afflictions.  Thy  Heavenly  Father  per- 
mits these,  and  they  are  no  doubt  for  thy 
good,  although  hard  to  human  nature  to  en- 
dure. But,  dear  friend,  thy  trust  is  in  Jeho- 


Rachel  Hicks.  271 

vah,  for  in  Him  is  'everlasting  strength,' 
and  He  will  carry  thee  through  to  His 
praise,  and  thy  own  establishment  on  that 
foundation  upon  which  Jesus  Christ  said  His 
church  was  built.  How  encouraging  is  the 
testimony  of  the  Psalmist,  '  Many  are  the  af- 
flictions of  the  righteous,  but  the  Lord  deliv- 
ereth  him  out  of  them  all.' 

"  We  may  be  ready  to  say,  Why  should  the 
righteous  be  afflicted  ?  If  they  have  endeav- 
ored to  do  their  duty  to  their  Creator,  why 
should  they  not  rest  in  joy  and  peace  ?  But 
this  might  not  be  a  safe  state  even  for  these 
good  ones ;  they  might  sit  down  at  ease,  as  on 
the  Sabbath  day,  and  almost  forget  to  look 
to  and  rely  upon  Him  to  whom  is  ever  due 
prayer,  thanksgiving  and  praise.  Continual 
sunshine  in  the  outward  world — do  we  not  be- 
lieve?— would  ere  long  bring  famine  on  the 
animal  creation.  Therefore  thou  mayest  re- 
joice that  thou  hast  afflictions,  for  'whom  the 
Lord  loveth  He  chasteneth,  and  scourgeth  every 
son  whom  he  receiveth.'  Then  be  encouraged. 
I  doubt  not  thy  prayers  are  put  up  to  our  om- 
nipotent Father  to  give  thee  patient  resignation 


272  Memoir  of 

to  endure  all  thy  afflictions  so  as  in  sincerity  * 
to  say,  '  If  this  cup  may  not  pass  from  me  ex- 
cept I  drink  it,  Thy  will  be  done.'  No  doubt 
there  are  seasons  also  in  which  thou  hast  to 
rejoice  in  Him  who  is  the  Comforter  to  those 
who  rely  upon  Him. 

"  But  where  is  dear ?     I  hope  she  too 

has  her  trials,  so  as  to  keep  her  bowed  down 
in  deep  humility  as  at  the  feet  of  our  Divine 
Father,  not  asking  great  things  for  herself, 
but  willing  to  accept  anything  He  in  His 
infinite  wisdom  sees  best  for  her.  My  own 
experience  teaches  me  that  afflictions  are  for 
our  best  interest,  to  wean  us  from  the  love  of 
this  lower  world,  and  raise  our  aspirations  for 
treasures  in  Heaven,  where  '  neither  moth  nor 
rust  doth  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  do  not 
break  through  nor  steal,'  for  there  we  are  safe 
in  Him  who  is  a  present  helper  in  the  needful 
time. 

"  We  mourn  over  the  sins  that  we  see  com- 
mitted even  by  professing  Christians,  and  if 
all  the  laborers  for  reformation  would  look  to 
Omnipotence  to  qualify  and  enable  them  to 
labor  in  His  wisdom  and  the  power  He  alone 


Rachel  Hicks.  273 

can  give,  no  doubt  their  labors  would  be  more 
successful  than  they  have  been.  I  do  not  ques- 
tion that  many  of  these  are  sincere,  but  they 
seem  not  to  know  the  necessity  of  Divine  quali- 
fication for  every  good  word  and  work.  *  * 

"  The  loss  of  dear  George  Truman  we 
mourn  :  the  void  we  feel ;  but  our  consolation 
is  the  trust  we  have  that  our  loss  is  his  great 
gain.  We  are  passing  away  one  after  another, 
but  it  matters  not  if  we  are  only  ready  when 
the  call  comes,  '  Give  an  account  of  thy  stew- 
ardship, for  thou  mayest  be  no  longer  stew- 
ard.' This  is  what  I  desire  for  myself,  and 
my  prayers  to  my  Father  in  Heaven  are  to 
give  me  strength  to  'watch/  and  if  any  duty  is 
required,  that  I  may  perform  it ;  but  patiently 
to  wait  and  quietly  to  hope  may  be  all.  To 
be  clothed  with  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit  to  the 
end  is  the  prayer  of  my  soul.  It  is  due  to  our 
Divine  Father  to  live  a  righteous  life,  and  I 
have  no  joy  or  rejoicing  but  in  feeling  accepted 
of  Him.  If  we  meet  no  more  on  earth,  I  hope 
we  may  meet  in  Heaven. 

"  This  is  the  aspiration  of  thy  affectionate 
"  RACHEL  HICKS." 

18 


274  Memoir  of 

"  WESTBURY,  ;th  mo.,  28th,  1878. 
"  MUCH  BELOVED  FRIEND: 

"  I  take  the  pen  to  acknowledge  the  recep- 
tion of  thy  kind  letter,  but  I  have  not  language 
to  portray  fully  the  comfort  and  satisfaction  I 
felt  on  reading  it.  It  seemed  like  a  repetition  of 
my  own  experience  when  I  went  to  and  fro 
visiting  Friends  and  their  meetings,  believing 
that  my  Heavenly  Father  required  it  of  me. 
Many  were  my  pleadings  and  excuses,  '  I  am 
so  little  and  unworthy  !  Why  not  send  those 
who  have  fine  talents,  and  are  every  way  better 
qualified  than  Thy  little  servant?'  was  often 
the  language  of  my  spirit.  But  all  my  excuses 
were  in  vain ;  and  sometimes  the  query  would 
arise  in  my  heart,  '  If  thou  art  so  little,  how 
darest  thou  turn  away  from  doing  the  command 
of  Him  who  is  omnipotent  ? ' 

"  I  see,  dear  sister,  that  thou  too  finds  that 
there  is  no  other  way  to  obtain  that  peace 
which  the  world  can  neither  give  nor  take 
away,  than  to  make  a  full  surrender  of  thy  own 
will,  and  to  say  in  sincerity  of  heart,  '  Thy  will, 
O  Holy  Father !  be  done.  Lead  me  whith- 
ersoever Thou  wilt,  and  I  will  follow  Thee.' 


Rachel  Hicks.  2/5 

And  the  gracious  promise  will  then  be  ful- 
filled, '  I  will  be  with  thee,  I  will  strengthen 
thee,'  and  He  will  be  thy  stay  and  staff. 
His  promises  He  mercifully  fulfilled  in  my 
experience  as  I  relied  upon  Him,  looked  to 
Him,  and  earnestly  craved  His  assistance. 

"  We  all  may  bear  in  mind  the  testimony  of 
Paul  to  the  Corinthians,  '  God  hath  chosen  the 
weak  things  of  the  world  to  confound  the  things 
which  are  mighty/  and  that  '  no  flesh  should 
glory  in  His  presence.'  I  desire  thy  encourage- 
ment to  continue  thy  devotion  and  dedication 
to  the  service  of  Him  who  works  by  instru- 
ments, as  well  as  by  His  own  spirit  in  the  soul. 
Oft  have  my  prayers  been  put  up  to  Him  that 
He  would  raise  up  faithful  laborers  and  send 
them  forth  to  labor  in  His  vineyard  ;  those 
who  dare  not  trust  to  their  own  strength, 
but  who  will  look  to  Him  to  qualify  for 
every  good  word  and  work. 

"  I  rejoiced  when  I  became  acquainted  with 
thee,  believing  that  thou  hadst  resigned  thy 
will  to  Him  whom  it  is  our  duty  to  obey  in  all 
things ;  and  for  thy  encouragement  I  feel  it 
right  to  say  of  myself  that  now  in  the  evening 


276  Memoir  of 

of  my  life  I  feel  released,  not  only  from  travel- 
ing far  from  my  home,  but  also  from  much  out- 
ward testimony  even  in  our  own  meetings;  but 
through  it  all  I  can  say,  '  Not  my  will,  but 
Thine,  O  Holy  one !  be  done.' 

"Now  oft,  sitting  alone  in  my  comfortable 
home,  I  rejoice  that  my  day's  work  was  done 
in  the  daytime,  when  I  had  strength  of  body 
sufficient  for  the  labor;  although  in  early  life  I 
was  among  the  chief  of  sinners  in  the  omission 
of  a  known  duty — that  is,  to  rise  and  speak  in 
meeting.  Even  twenty  years  did  I  wander  in 
the  wilderness,  longing  for  spiritual  food;  but 
when  I  saw  the  terms  of  admittance  to  the  table 
spread  for  the  obedient  ones,  '  I  turned  away 
sorrowful,'  until  by  suffering  I  was  made  willing 
to  bow  my  own  will  and  rise,  uttering  distinctly 
a  few  sentences,  proving  that  to  be  a  lying  spirit 
which  had  so  long  persuaded  me  I  could  not 
speak  in  a  public  meeting  so  as  to  be  heard. 

"  After  our  Monthly  Meeting  acknowledged 
my  ministry,  I  traveled  frequently  from  home, 
visiting  all  the  meetings  belonging  to  our  part 
of  the  Society  of  Friends,  and  some  of  them 
twice  over.  Whether  it  has  ever  done  any  good 


Rachel  Hicks.  277 

to  others  I  leave  to  Him  who  sees  the  heart,  but 
through  His  mercy  I  feel  that  it  has  thus  far 
saved  my  own  soul. 

"  I  feel  thankful  that  I  am  now  permitted  to 
stay  peacefully  at  home,  and  my  prayer  oft  is 
for  patience  and  resignation  to  any  trial  He  in 
His  wisdom  may  see  best  for  me,  and  that  I 
may  be  clothed  with  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit  to 
the  end  of  my  days,  and  that  I  may  pass  away 
praising  the  Lord. 

"  Please  write  when  thee  feels  like  it,  and 
gratify  Thy  affectionate  friend, 

"RACHEL  HlCKS." 


A  MEMORIAL  OF  RACHEL  HICKS. 


BY  WESTBURY  MONTHLY  MEETING  OF  FRIENDS. 


THERE  are  some  lives  which  flow  quietly 
along  their  course,  exerting  their  influence  for 
good  upon  those  immediately  around  them, 
and  attract  comparatively  little  public  notice. 

It  was  shown  in  the  life  of  Rachel  Hicks, 
that  while  she  greatly  desired  to  occupy  this 
position,  she  felt  called  upon  to  enter  a  wider 
fi^ld  of  labor. 

She  was  born  at  Westbury,  L.  I.,  in  the  year 
1789.  Her  parents  were  Gideon  and  Elizabeth 
Seaman,  members  of  the  Society  of  Friends. 

Subject  to  the  influence  and  example  of 
parents  deeply  concerned  for  the  guarded 
training  of  their  children,  her  youth  was  passed 
in  much  innocence.  So  tender  was  her  con- 


Rachel  Hicks.  279 

science,  that  on  one  occasion,  at  the  age  of 
eight  years,  when  she  had  used  a  word  she  felt 
to  be  wrong,  her  remorse  was  so  great  that  it 
affected  her  health,  and  not  until  she  felt  she 
had  been  forgiven  was  it  restored. 

Thus  early  did  her  youthful  mind  recognize 
the  obligation  of  living  in  harmony  with  her 
impressions  of  right  and  duty.  Her  associates 
from  childhood  were  those  of  our  Society,  and 
her  parents  being  prominent  members,  their 
house  was  often  visited  by  Friends  traveling  in 
the  ministry.  Listening  to  their  conversation, 
and  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  their  lives,  she 
was  early  impressed  with  serious  thoughts,  and 
the  obligation  of  living  in  subordination  to  the 
Higher  Law,  manifest  in  the  secret  of  the  heart. 

In  the  primitive  period  of  her  early  life,  the 
practice  obtained  of  having  the  family  collect 
together  in  the  twilight  of  the  evening.  At 
these  times,  in  the  quiet  and  rest  from  the 
labors  of  the  day,  an  opportunity  was  afforded 
for  meditation  and  retrospective  self-examina- 
tion. 

On  one  of  these  occasions,  when  in  her  nine- 
teenth year,  she  writes,  "  My  mind  was  turned 


280  Memoir  of 

to  my  Heavenly  Father,  with  strong  desires  to 
serve  Him  through  life,  when  it  was  intelligi- 
bly sounded  in  my  mental  ear,  '  If  faithful  to 
My  requirings,  thou  wilt  have  to  speak  in  the 
assemblies  of  the  people,  and  travel  extensively 
in  the  ministry.' " 

This  seemed  to  have  been  as  unexpected  as 
it  was  an  unwelcome  message  to  her.  Timid 
and  bashful  by  nature,  she  felt  that  she  never 
could  stand  before  an  audience  and  address 
them  intelligibly.  In  vain  she  endeavored  to 
persuade  herself  that  it  was  a  delusion,  which 
time  would  dispel ;  but  steadily  the  conviction 
rested  on  her  mind,  that  it  was  a  service  to 
which  she  would  be  called.  Without  any  dis- 
tinct impressions  as  to  time  or  place,  when  she 
should  begin  her  work  in  the  ministry,  she, 
nevertheless,  in  the  dread  and  fear  of  the  duty, 
says,  "  I  became  rebellious,  and  out  of  the 
Divine  harmony  my  soul  had  so  longed  for,  and 
in  which  I  had  enjoyed  such  sweet  commu- 
nion." 

In  this  state  of  mind  she  adds,  "  When  I  had 
heretofore  been  called  mild  and  gentle  in  my 
disposition,  I  was  sometimes  irritable  and  im- 


Rachel  Hicks.  281 

patient.  This  grieved  me,  for  I  loved  the 
truth,  and  desired  not  to  do  anything  that 
would  bring  dishonor  upon  it."  About  a  year 
after  this  first  impression  that  she  would  have 
to  appear  in  the  ministry,  she  felt  the  time  had 
come  to  bear  her  testimony  publicly,  but  she 
could  not  bring  her  mind  to  submit. 

Year  after  year,  she  states,  "  I  felt  I  was  in 
rebellion  against  my  known  duty.  My  stubborn 
will  would  not  yield,  and  again  and  again  I  was 
turned  backward  in  the  wilderness,  and  the 
earth  brought  forth  thorns  and  thistles." 
Through  many  trials  and  vicissitudes  this  im- 
pression of  duty  continued  to  weigh  heavily 
upon  her  mind,  until  at  last,  in  her  forty-second 
year,  she  yielded,  and  spoke  a  few  words  in  our 
meetings.  She  had  now  given  up  to  the  ser- 
vice of  her  Father,  whithersoever  He  might 
lead  her,  and  great  peace  and  satisfaction  were 
her  reward. 

At  the  age  of  twenty-six  she  was  married  to 
Abraham  Hicks,  of  Rockaway,  L.  I.,  a  nephew 
of  Elias  Hicks.  She  found  in  her  husband  a 
most  congenial  spirit.  Being  in  full  accord  in 
all  their  religious  sentiments,  they  lived  to- 


282  Memoir  of 

gather  in  great  unity  for  eleven  years,  when  he 
died ;  leaving  her  with  three  young  children, 
an  aged  father,  and  the  responsibility  of  a 
farm. 

A  few  years  after  this  bereavement,  she  had 
to  mourn  the  loss  of  two  of  her  children.  Her 
son,  Abraham,  was  spared  to  be  a  great  com- 
fort and  a  stay  to  her  for  a  number  of  years 
thereafter. 

To  return  to  her  public  labors.  So  satisfac- 
tory were  her  communications,  that  it  was  not 
long  before  her  ministry  was  recognized,  and 
she  became  an  approved  minister  of  our  Society. 
Having  so  long  delayed  the  work  to  which  she 
had  been  called,  and  now  making  a  full  surren- 
der of  her  life  to  the  will  of  her  Divine  Master, 
she  felt  prepared  to  go  whithersoever  He  might 
lead  her.  Besides  the  exercise  of  her  gift  in 
her  own  meeting,  she  soon  felt  required  to  go 
forth  to  other  places  and  proclaim  the  Gospel. 

After  having  made  several  visits  in  the  line 
of  her  duty  to  neighboring  meetings,  we  find 
her,  in  the  summer  of  1837,  visiting  the  North- 
ern Quarterly  Meetings.  In  the  fall  of  the 
same  year  a  minute  was  granted  her  to  attend 


Rachel  Hicks.  283 

Baltimore  Yearly  Meeting.  In  the  spring  of 
the  following  year  she  visited  Genesee  Yearly 
Meeting,  and  proceeding  westward  to  that  of 
Ohio  and  Indiana ;  her  mission  seems  not  to 
have  been  accomplished  until  she  had  attended 
nearly  all  the- meetings  composing  them.  This 
journey  in  the  then  new  countries  of  the  West 
was  beset  with  many  hardships  and  consider- 
able expense.  Her  great  endurance  and  per- 
severance, combined  with  the  faith  that  for 
every  requisition  of  duty  strength  and  ability 
would  be  afforded,  sustained  her :  and  notwith- 
standing her  longing  for  the  quiet  enjoyment 
of  her  home,  which  she  loved  so  well,  she  was 
willing  to  forego  all,  that  the  cause  of  Truth 
might  be  promoted. 

This  journey  occupied  seven  months.  Re- 
turning with  a  heart  full  of  gratitude  for  Divine 
favors,  on  this  occasion  as  on  all  others,  she  was 
from  her  own  experience  ever  ready  to  testify 
to  the  goodness  of  her  Divine  Master.  From 
this  time  up  to  1852,  a  period  of  fifteen  years, 
there  scarcely  passed  a  year  but  that  she  went 
forth  in  the  work  of  the  ministry. 

The  love  of  order  was  a  conspicuous  trait 


284  Memoir  of 

in  her  character,  often  using  the  quotation, 
"  Order  is  Heaven's  first  law."  She  was  always 
careful  to  lay  her  concerns  before  the  proper 
meeting  for  its  judgment,  and  with  marked 
humility  seemed  ever  ready  to  submit  to  its 
decision.  For  two  years  after  1852,  she  felt  re- 
leased from  the  necessity  of  going  abroad  in 
the  ministry.  The  health  of  her  remaining 
son,  Abraham,  was  failing,  and  her  duty  lay  at 
home.  Tenderly  and  faithfully  she  attended 
him,  and  saw  by  the  progress  of  the  disease 
that  ere  long  she  must  part  with  him.  She  had 
borne  the  loss  of  both  parents  and  husband, 
and  this,  her  last  earthly  stay  and  comfort, 
must  be  given  up.  She  writes,  "  I  had  looked 
to  him  as  my  counsellor  and  caretaker ;  every 
fibre  of  my  heart  entwined  around  him  in  the 
strong  affection  of  a  mother's  love."  Yet  in 
that  faith  and  submission  to  the  dispensations 
of  an  overruling  Providence,  she  was  calm  and 
resigned,  with  the  prayer  in  her  heart,  "  Not 
my  will,  but  thine,  O  Father!  be  done."  This 
last  affliction  would  have  quite  overcome  a  mind 
less  strong,  or  a  faith  less  enduring.  Notsowith 
her.  Having  made  a  full  surrender  of  heart, 


Rachel  Hicks.  285 

she  was  obedient  to  every  manifestation  of 
duty;  and  we  accordingly  find  her,  in  the  fol- 
lowing year,  again  in  the  field  of  labor  in  distant 
parts.  It  is  not  our  purpose,  in  this  brief 
memoir,  to  give  a  detailed  account  of  her  work 
in  the  ministry.  Whether  at  home  or  abroad, 
she  seemed  scrupulously  careful  to  watch  close- 
ly the  pointings  of  Truth  on  her  mind.  Modest, 
and  distrustful  of  her  own  abilities,  she  was  al- 
ways desirous  of  placing  self  in  the  background, 
while  at  the  same  time  unshrinking  in  the  per- 
formance of  what  she  considered  the  cause  of 
right,  and  the  maintenance  of  the  testimonies 
of  our  Society. 

In  her  journal  she  writes:  "I  have  made  no 
account  of  the  number  of  miles  I  have  traveled, 
or  meetings  I  have  attended,  fearing  it  might 
seem  like  boasting."  She  lived  in  great  sim- 
plicity, practicing  both  frugality  and  industry, 
often  saying  that  with  less  extravagance  we 
could  find  both  time  and  means  for  the  exercise 
of  larger  charity. 

Conservative  by  nature,  innovations  on  old 
practices  or  views  found  but  little  favor 
with  her,  yet  she  endeavored  to  be  charitable. 


286  Memoir  of 

Strongly  attached  to  her  friends  at  home,  she 
would  have  lived  a  life  of  comparative  seclu- 
sion gladly,  if  she  could  have  followed  her 
natural  inclinations ;  consequently,  when  the 
call  to  duty  was  over,  the  return  to  her  own 
fireside  was  a  source  of  great  satisfaction. 

In  the  latter  part  of  her  life,  she  felt  that  the 
burden  of  former  years  was  in  a  large  degree 
removed,  and  her  communications  were  more 
brief,  and  less  frequent  than  heretofore.  When 
she  did  feel  called  upon  to  bear  testimony,  her 
voice  would  be  heard  in  the  same  clear  and 
earnest  appeal  for  obedience  to  the  voice  with- 
in, which  she  had  so  abundantly  found  suffi- 
cient to  guide  her  through  life.  For  many 
years  past,  she  had  felt  as  though  life's  journey 
was  near  its  close.  Death  had  no  dread  for 
her;  content  to  "  labor  and  to  wait,"  she  glided 
through  the  autumn  of  her  life,  ripe  in  holy 
experiences,  and  full  of  faith  in  the  rewards  in 
store  for  the  righteous.  Though  free  from 
many  of  the  infirmities  which  so  often  attend 
advanced  age,  time  had  nevertheless  made  its 
impress  on  her  form  and  face. 

Yet   her  noble   presence,   dignified  counte- 


Rachel  Hicks.  287 

nance  and  serenity  were  so  conspicuous,  that 
none  who  beheld  her  could  fail  to  be  impressed 
with  the  beautiful  spirit  that  dwelt  within. 
Long  had  she  been  ready  and  waiting  for  the 
close  of  her  earthly  pilgrimage. 

On  the  1 3th  of  Eighth  Month,  1878,  in  her 
ninetieth  year,  it  came.  Full  of  years,  full  of 
good  works,  she  laid  down  the  burden  of  her 
life,  and  was  at  rest.  Though  her  earnest 
words  of  exhortation  are  no  longer  heard  in  our 
assemblies,  the  memory  of  them  will  long  be 
treasured  up  in  sweet  remembrance,  and  the 
example  of  her  life  continue  as  an  inspiration 
for  coming  years. 

Read  in  and  approved  by  Westbury  Month- 
ly Meeting  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  in  joint 
session,  held  First  Month,  I5th,  1879. 

FREDERICK  E.  WILLETS, 

RACHEL  W.  HICKS, 

Clerks. 

Read  in  and  approved  by  Westbury  Quarter- 
ly Meeting,  held  in  New  York,  First  Month, 

23d,  1879.  JOSHUA  T.  CROMWELL, 

Clerk. 

CATHARINE  H.  CARPENTER, 

Clerk  for  the  day. 


UCSB    LIBRARY 


